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The Embassy of Estonia in Geneva |
Contact
Address
Permanent Mission of the Republic of Estonia to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva
Chemin du Petit-Saconnex 28A
1209 Geneva
Phone Number
+41 22 919 19 80
Website
http://geneva.mfa.ee
Email
mission.un@mfa.ee
The Ambassador
H.E. Mrs. Riia Salsa-Audiffren
Riia Salsa-Audiffren is the Permanent Representative of Estonia to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva. She presented her credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, Tatiana Valovaya, following her appointment to the post.
Prior to her appointment in Geneva, Ms. Salsa-Audiffren served as Director of the Division for Personnel Development and International Personnel Policy within the Human Resources Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia (since 2021). From 2018 to 2021, she was Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Estonia in Paris and concurrently served as Deputy Permanent Delegate of Estonia to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). She previously served in Geneva as Deputy Permanent Representative of Estonia to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations from 2014 to 2018.
A career diplomat, Ms. Salsa-Audiffren has held several positions within Estonia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including at the Permanent Representation of Estonia to the European Union (2005–2009) and within the Press and Information Department (2003–2006). She holds a Master’s degree in audiovisual art from the University of Tallinn (1997–2001) and an Executive Master in communication and European politics from the Institut des Hautes Études des Communications Sociales in Brussels (2012–2013). She was born on 11 June 1977 and is married with two children.
History
Estonia became a founding member of the United Nations in 1945 as part of the Soviet Union, but after restoring its independence in 1991, it was admitted as a UN Member State on 17 September 1991. Since regaining independence, Estonia has actively participated in the UN system, emphasizing principles of international law, human rights, digital cooperation, security, and sustainable development.
The Permanent Mission of Estonia to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva represents Estonia’s interests within the Geneva-based multilateral system. The Mission engages with a wide range of organizations and forums based in Geneva, including the Human Rights Council, the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the World Trade Organization (WTO), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and other UN agencies and international institutions.
Estonia has developed a strong profile in the UN system in areas related to digital governance and cybersecurity. The country has promoted digital transformation as part of international cooperation, including through initiatives connected to e-governance, digital public services, and responsible use of emerging technologies. Estonia has also contributed to UN human rights discussions and served as a member of the UN Security Council for the 2020–2021 term, where it focused on issues including international law, conflict prevention, cybersecurity, and climate-related security risks.
Through its Geneva Mission, Estonia continues to participate in multilateral negotiations on human rights, humanitarian affairs, trade, health, labour standards, and technological cooperation, reflecting the country’s broader commitment to rules-based international cooperation.
