Today we gather to discuss innovation in education — how it can foster resilience, nurture creativity, and build peace.
We will hear many excellent examples today. Let me begin by sharing Estonia’s education mindset.
We are known for our high-quality education and strong digital foundations. Thirty years ago, our Tiger Leap program brought computers into schools — a step that helped launch Estonia’s start-up ecosystem and digital society.
This year, we launched AI Leap, equipping 20,000 students and thousands of teachers with AI tools. Our education technology companies connect schools with innovators and export solutions worldwide. Tomorrow, we are opening Code Zhytomyr which brings to Ukraine the innovative and successful method of learning how to code. Estonian children start learning robotics and programming at the age of seven. In all of that, our focus is on curiosity, problem-solving, and digital confidence.
Knowing all that, I want to emphasize to you that technology alone is not innovation. Technology in education can be useless or even harmful, if it is not designed to support learning. What matters most is whether it helps students develop the skills today’s world demands — critical thinking, creativity,
and the motivation to keep learning.
That is why investing in teachers is the key to every successful evolution in education.
We are proud of our cooperation with Ukraine through Estonian Centre for International Development, supporting teacher training and innovation in education even in the hardest times.
Dear friends, education is our strongest tool to transform crisis into opportunity. Estonia is ready to share, to learn, and to walk this path with you.
Thank you!
