The Centre for Ethics of the University of Tartu together with the Estonian Ministry of Education and Research, the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Estonia, the UT College of Foreign Languages and Cultures and the Office of the President of the Republic of Estonia invite everyone – young and old, beginners and professionals – to enter a competition for opinion pieces and photos entitled "Estonia AND the Nordic countries – Estonia AS a Nordic country?"
The main prize in the adult category for opinion pieces on relations between Estonia and the Nordic countries is a unique trip organised by the Norwegian Embassy to attend the Nobel Peace Prize award ceremony in Oslo. The patron of the competition is Estonian president Toomas Hendrik Ilves.
Margit Sutrop, head of the Centre for Ethics of the University of Tartu, says that August 2016 marks the 25th anniversary of Estonia regaining its independence. "Estonia and its people have achieved remarkable things during that time," she said. "We are given as an example of fresh thinking and quick, successful reforms; we have established trustworthy partnerships in Europe and around the world. But how much have our values changed? Have we become more like the Nordic countries in the last 25 years, or drifted away from Nordic values? What does Estonia have in common with the Nordic countries and what is different? What do we find familiar in Nordic culture, and what is unique and precious to Estonia that we want to preserve and share with others?" The competition for opinion pieces and photos presents an opportunity to further think about these issues.
Conditions
Both beginners and professional writers of opinion pieces and photographers are welcome to take part in the competition. Entries submitted by school students and adults will be evaluated in separate categories by the jury. We are looking for works that deal with and discuss Nordic values in an abstract way as well as in the context of everyday life.
The deadline for opinion pieces is 10 June 2016. Further information and conditions.
The deadline for photos is 31 July 2016. Further information and conditions.
Special prizes for the best writers and photographers have been sponsored by the Office of the President of the Republic of Estonia, the Estonian Ministry of Education and Research and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Embassy of Sweden, the Embassy of Denmark, the University of Tartu, the UT College of Foreign Languages and Cultures, the UT Centre for Ethics, the publishing houses Ilmamaa, Varrak and EKSA, the University of Tartu Press and the Postimees newspaper.
The president’s writing bee is taking place for the fourth time. In 2011 the topic of the collected writings was "In and out of Estonia's Doors"; in 2009 it was "What can I do for Estonia?"; and in 2007 it was "What kind of Estonia do I want to live in?".
For further information on the competition please contact:
Mari-Liisa Parder
Project Manager, Centre for Ethics of the University of Tartu
Mobile: +372 5903 6319
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