World Day in Estonia Raised Awareness About Humanitarian Aid

On May 31st 2014, the Estonian Roundtable for Development Cooperation held a free family event in Tallinn, the World Day. The festival aimed to introduce world cultures to Estonians and raise awareness about humanitarian aid and decent life for people across the globe – something every person should be able to enjoy regardless of where they were born.

World Day was an open air event for the whole family. The day offered great music, entertainment for kids and opportunities to hear stories about humanitarian aid across the globe. Everybody had a chance to gather information and inspiration about why and how they could contribute their time, ideas and knowledge to provide a better life for all people in the world.

As the exodus of Syrian refugees continues to escalate, humanitarian needs remain high. To highlight the issue, UNHCR’s Zaatri Refugee Camp exhibition showcased UNHCR in its emergency work around the world, including refugee registration procedure, refugee tent and high nutrition emergency food. Next to the Refugee Camp people could see the exhibition by Brian Sokol called The Most Important Thing that featured portraits of Syrian refugees with a single most important personal belonging.

The headliner on the World Day stage was the musician, Carlou D. Purity from Senegal. The concept of simplicity and above all, respect for others, are the cornerstone of Carlou D.’s concept. Taking the essence of the peace philosophy, the outspoken qualities of hip-hop, and musical elements of jazz, soul, rap, and acoustic roots, Carlou D. had an illuminating presence on stage.

We hope that the World Day will increase the interest towards what is going on in the world and that the cultural interactions will widen people’s perspectives and build feelings of solidarity. Hopefully, more awareness also leads to the desire to support people in developing countries and the organisations working for a better world.

The event was organised by the Estonian Roundtable for Development Cooperation (AKÜ) with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Photo courtesy of AKÜ: Participants of the World Day 2014
More photos of the World Day can be found here.


Information provided by Katrin Pärgmäe, Estonian Roundtable for Development Cooperation