Next Tuesday, 18 November, a street section in New York City will be officially named after the
distinguished Estonian diplomat Ernst Jaakson in a ceremonial event.
Ernst Jaakson served in Estonia’s foreign service for over 79 years (from 20 August 1919 to 3 September 1998) and is considered the longest-serving diplomat in the world. His most significant contribution was maintaining the legal continuity of the Republic of Estonia during the years of Soviet occupation. During this time, he continued his work at the Estonian Consulate General in New York, maintained close ties with senior U.S. politicians and the Estonian diaspora, and tirelessly supported Estonia’s sovereignty. Following the restoration of Estonia’s independence in 1991, Jaakson was appointed, at the age of 86, as Estonia’s Ambassador to the United States and Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
“Ernst Jaakson dedicated his life to Estonia. He began his diplomatic career at a young age and, in 1929, took up the post of representing Estonia across the Atlantic. Due to the turbulent events of the 20th century, he was only able to return to his homeland in 1992,” said Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna ahead of the street naming ceremony.
“Through his unwavering commitment, he preserved Estonia’s legal continuity and sovereignty on U.S. soil throughout the years of Soviet occupation. He ensured Estonia’s voice remained heard in the international community, and his efforts guaranteed that our allies never forgot Estonia’s independence nor considered it lost,” the Minister added. “It is deeply symbolic that, on the occasion of Jaakson’s 120th birthday, his legacy will be honoured with a street bearing his name in the heart of New York.”
The street section named after Jaakson is located in Manhattan, at the corner of 2nd Avenue and Tunnel Exit Street on East 34th Street, near the New York Estonian House and the iconic Empire State Building. The street will be inaugurated by Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna and New York City Council Member for District 4, Keith Powers.
The unveiling ceremony will take place on 18 November at 16:00 local time in New York.
Further information about Ernst Jaakson’s life and legacy can be found on the website of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Additional information
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