Universala Kongreso de Esperanto

This month took place the 104th World EsperantoCongress (UK stands for “Universala Kongreso”). The congress took place from July 20th to July 27th in the city of Lahti, Finland. There were 917 participants coming from 57 countries. The theme of the congress was “Vivanta Naturo – Floranta Kulturo” (Living Nature, Flourishing Culture).  

During the 104th UK, the committee elected a new board. The new president is Professor Duncan Charters (He was born in the United Kingdom in 1943). He was the president of the ILEI (Internacia Ligo de Esperantistaj Instruistoj, or International League of Esperanto Teachers) from 1993 to 1998. He participated in many educational projects. He is interested in Spanish literature.

There were calls for cooperation with other organizations for the protection and development of local cultures and the nature.

The UK is the most important congress organized by the UEA (Universala Esperanto Asocio, or Universal Esperanto Asociation) and is held annually in a different country. The first congress took place in 1905 in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France. Since that time, the UK has been organized every year, with the exceptions of the years of the 2 World wars. It is a great opportunity to attend lectures in Esperanto, meat Esperantists from other countries, and follow up the updates in terms of composition, strategies and new rules from the UEA. There are also opportunities to participate in organized tours through the city and the region. It is not uncommon to see conferences about local languages, in fact, in this congress, there was a talk about the Sami Language.

For Esperanto in Canada, this congress is very important: This is the last congress before the congress No 105 that will be held next year in Montreal, Quebec. You can read more about our congress in its site  in English, French and Esperanto. 

Since I am Esperantist, the UK was never so close to me. The UK will be held at 540 km from my home.  I am writing this small article reading the reports as they come from the congress through the internet. I hope next year I can report from Montreal and write about my own experience.

We say: Thank You, Lahti! Kiitos paljon Lahti!, Koran dankon Lahtio! – See You soon Montreal! À Bientôt Montréal! , Ĝis Baldaŭ Montrealo!