Press Release by Sweden-Estonia Cooperation Fund
Stockholm, Sweden – December 5, 2024: The Embassy of Estonia in Stockholm hosted a distinguished ceremony to celebrate the recipients of the 2024 Sweden-Estonia Cooperation Award. Esteemed Estonian-Swedish illustrator Ilon Wikland and Hasse Olsson, a founding figure of Estonia’s prominent business daily Äripäev, were recognized for their significant contributions to strengthening the ties between Sweden and Estonia.
The Sweden-Estonia Cooperation Award, established by the Sweden-Estonia Cooperation Fund, honors individuals who have made outstanding efforts in promoting mutual understanding, collaboration, and enduring friendship between the two nations. This year’s awards were presented to Ilon Wikland’s daughter, Birgitta Wikland, and Hasse Olsson by the Fund’s chairman, Mr. Pär Nuder, and Estonia’s Ambassador to Sweden, Mr. Toomas Lukk.
“Ilon Wikland and Hasse Olsson are remarkable examples of how culture and entrepreneurship can build bridges between nations. Their work has not only strengthened the ties between Sweden and Estonia but also inspired future generations to continue nurturing our shared history of friendship and cooperation,” emphasized Pär Nuder in his address to the laureates.
Ilon Wikland: Celebrated Illustrator and Cultural Bridge
Ilon Wikland, born in Tartu, Estonia, in 1930, fled to Sweden during World War II and became one of Sweden’s most beloved illustrators. Known for her timeless illustrations of Astrid Lindgren’s classics such as Karlsson On the Roof, The Six Bullerby Children, Mio, My Mio, The Brothers Lionheart, and Ronia, the Robber’s Daughter, Wikland’s work has left an indelible mark on children’s literature, vividly bringing Lindgren’s stories to life. Her legacy as a cultural ambassador highlights the profound artistic ties between Sweden and Estonia.
Hasse Olsson: Visionary Leader in Media and Business
Hasse Olsson, born in 1942, served as editor-in-chief of Sweden’s Dagens Industri from 1979 to 2001, transforming it into a leading business publication. He played a pivotal role in founding Estonia’s Äripäev, a joint venture between Sweden’s Bonnier Group and Estonia’s Mainor, in 1989. Äripäev has become a cornerstone of Estonian business journalism, shaping the country’s economic reporting and fostering a business-oriented mindset crucial to Estonia’s development.
“Both laureats are excellent examples of how personal dedication and vision can transcend national borders and bring people closer together. Ilon Wikland’s and Hasse Olsson’s work and contributions have been an inspiring example of how culture and business can serve as the foundation for cooperation and friendship,” said Ambassador Toomas Lukk. Ambassador Lukk also noted that the Sweden-Estonia Cooperation Fund has been an invaluable partner in strengthening relations between Estonia and Sweden. “Initiatives like the Cooperation Award highlight the importance of maintaining and fostering dialogue and connections that underpin our shared success,” Lukk added, emphasizing the Fund’s role in developing relations between the two nations.
About the Sweden-Estonia Cooperation Fund
Founded in 2019, the Sweden-Estonia Cooperation Fund is an independent foundation dedicated to renewing and strengthening bilateral relations between Sweden and Estonia. The Fund supports initiatives that promote knowledge exchange, social cohesion, innovation, and entrepreneurship, with a focus on youth networking. It also works to enhance the understanding of Swedish language and culture in Estonia and vice versa, fostering enduring connections between the two countries.
For more information on the Sweden-Estonia Cooperation Fund, visit: www.sweestfund.org
Contact:
Janar Sutt
Sweden-Estonia Cooperation Fund