Remarks by the President of Estonia Kersti Kaljulaid at the International Peace Institute "How small states can maximize their impact in global affairs"

Let me begin by thanking the International Peace Institute for hosting this discussion today. I am pleased to be here at such a critical time for the UN as well as for Estonia.

Indeed, this is an important month for us. Two weeks ago, on July 1st, we assumed the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the first time ever. And another ‘first’ will take place later today when we officially launch our first ever candidature for a non-permanent seat of the United Nations Security Council.

In the next six months, we will do our best to provide leadership in Europe. And should we be elected to the Security Council, then we will, of course, do our best to make sure that the UN is able to meet the demands of our rapidly changing world. Doing our best is what we, as a small state, have to do in order to make an impact and survive in an ever more unstable world. Where rules are not only bent but broken. Where unpredictability has become the norm. Where peace and security is always under threat.

15.07.2017

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On 1 September, Peeter Kuimet will become the Adviser to the President of the Republic on Security Issues. The current Adviser on Security Issues, Merle Maigre, will take over as head of the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in September.

21.07.2017

President Kaljulaid: we need an operable and efficient United Nations

President of the Republic, Kersti Kaljulaid, met yesterday in New York with the Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, to discuss the aspirations of Estonia to become a non-permanent member of the Security Council of the United nations, reforms considered in the UN by Guterres and Estonia's priorities during its Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

13.07.2017

President Kaljulaid: a seat as a member of the United Nations Security Council is an opportunity to enhance the visibility of Estonia

At the invitation of President Kersti Kaljulaid, the advisory council responsible for contributing to the campaign for a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council convened today at Kadriorg. The opening event of the active stage of the campaign will take place in New York on Thursday.

11.07.2017