Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in 2022, we have been unwavering in our support, both politically and through practical initiatives, to stand by Ukraine during these challenging times. We stand alongside Ukraine until victory. 

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Empowering the Vulnerable

Advancing Democracy and Free Speech

Societal Impact of Digitalization

<h2>We call ourselves a do-tank as we seamlessly blend the best of both worlds: the intellectual rigour of a think tank and the tangible impact of action-oriented initiatives. By harnessing this unique combination, we strive to make a meaningful difference in our focus areas and drive positive change.</h2>
Established by former Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid in 2021, the President Kaljulaid Foundation (PKF) is a dynamic do-tank championing three plus one focus areas:

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Kersti Kaljulaid served as the President of the Republic of Estonia from 2016-2021. During her time in office, she made her presence felt in both her homeland and the international arena.

President Kaljulaid Foundation is a dynamic do-tank founded by former President of the Republic of Estonia Kersti Kaljulaid. If you share our values, support us here!

Upholding and advancing the fundamental values of democracy, freedoms, human rights, and the rule of law serve as one of the main cornerstones of PKF’s mission. We are driven by the mission to encourage a just and equitable society where every individual enjoys equal rights and opportunities. 

Democracy and Free Speech

We are committed to advocating for and working towards a world where the weaker and most vulnerable ones in societies receive the empowerment and support they need to create a level playing field for everyone. 

Estonia is the first truly digital society and we are focused on understanding, and establishing a platform for open discussions about how digital transformation has shaped and continues to influence our societies and what will be the future scenarios. 

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Program Highlights
November 25 marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. To raise awareness about domestic abuse and ways to address it, the President Kaljulaid Foundation has launched the Stronger Together Orange Special Program.
According to Statistics Estonia, 41% of women in Estonia have experienced domestic abuse, including physical, psychological, or sexual violence. Alarmingly, the number of individuals seeking help has significantly declined in recent years, despite the ongoing need for support.
Over the coming weeks, the program will explore the multifaceted issue of domestic abuse through art, music, culture, urban spaces, media, and science. These creative and thought-provoking formats aim to inspire collective understanding, with a particular emphasis on the vital role of bystanders.
Don’t Just Be a Bystander! Don’t look away!
Orange Urban Spaces: A Beacon of a Violence-Free Future 
From November 25, major Estonian cities—Tallinn, Tartu, and Pärnu—will light up in orange, the global symbol of hope for a violence-free future. This initiative, led by the President Kaljulaid Foundation, aims to spark dialogue, increase awareness, and inspire collective efforts toward a safer society.
Shining a Light on Domestic Abuse Through Film
In collaboration with the Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF), the Foundation will highlight a selection of films exploring the complexities of domestic abuse. Each screening will feature expert-led panel discussions focusing on prevention, support, and recovery.
<a href="https://poff.ee/uudis/president-kaljulaidi-fond-kutsub-koostoeoes-p-oe-f-figa-maerkama-laehisuhtevaegivalda/">Visit the PÖFF website for the full film schedule.</a>
Art Speaks—We Listen: Young Artists Bring Awareness to Tallinn’s Streets
In October, students from the Estonian Academy of Arts took part in a masterclass focused on addressing domestic abuse through art. Led by acclaimed artists and trauma specialists, they created impactful pieces designed to raise awareness and inspire change.
Starting November 25, these thought-provoking pieces will be showcased near the Estonian National Opera and on Freedom Square, encouraging viewers to reflect on domestic abuse and its impact.
Music as a Voice for Hidden Stories
Many well-loved songs hold deeper, often painful stories about domestic abuse. To bring these narratives to light, musician and advocate, Hannaliisa Uusma has curated a Spotify playlist, Peidetud sõnumid, featuring iconic tracks from Estonia and beyond.
Estonian musicians will lend their voices to the cause, culminating in the premiere of Mari Jürjens&#8217; heartfelt song, a tribute to compassion and understanding.
Literary Insights: Explore Stories That Matter
From November 25, libraries in Tallinn, Tartu, and Pärnu will host curated book exhibitions addressing the themes and impacts of domestic abuse. The exhibit, organized by the Pärnu Women’s Support Center, includes selections from fiction and non-fiction, with recommendations from Estonian writers Kristiina Ehin, Jan Kaus and Gregor Kulla.
Annual Conference: Stronger Together
On December 3rd, Kai Art Center will host the annual &#8220;Stronger Together&#8221; conference. This year&#8217;s focus is on ethical, trauma-informed communication. Renowned journalist Rachel Louise Snyder will deliver the keynote speech, sharing insights from her extensive work on domestic abuse.
The event will also mark the launch of the Employers Against Domestic Abuse initiative, aimed at raising awareness of domestic abuse&#8217;s impact on professional environments and encouraging businesses to foster supportive organizational cultures.
Additionally, the Foundation will announce grant recipients for innovative projects that promote domestic abuse prevention and education in Estonia.
Trauma-Informed Journalism Seminar 
On December 6, the Social Insurance Board&#8217;s Victim Support Unit will host a seminar for journalists on reporting domestic abuse with sensitivity and trauma awareness. For more information, contact Uku Tampere at uku.tampere@sotsiaalkindlustusamet.ee or +372 5303 0204.
Join the Movement for a Safer Society
The President Kaljulaid Foundation and its partners invite everyone to participate in building a more compassionate, violence-free community.
Supporters: Baltic-American Freedom Foundation, U.S. Embassy, UK Embassy, Swedish Embassy, Estonian Academy of Arts, Print24, JCDecaux Estonia, Megameedia, Digiposter, Mari Jürjens and the city of Tallinn. 
Need Help?
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic abuse, help is available. Visit www.palunabi.ee. 
Victim Support Hotline: 116 006 (24/7, confidential and free). 
In emergencies, call 112.
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Stronger Together: Orange Special Program

DATE AND TIME: 
3 December 2024, 9:30–16:30 
LOCATION: 
Kai Art Centre, Tallinn 
MODERATOR: 
Grete Lõbu
THE EVENT WILL HAVE SIMULTANEOUS ESTONIAN-ENGLISH INTERPRETATION
SCHEDULE 
9:30 | Registration and welcome coffee
10:00 | Opening of the conference
10:10 | On trauma, the impact of trauma and trauma-informed information spaces | Kaia Kastepõld-Tõrs (clinical psychologist, trauma expert)
10:25 | Ethical reporting on Domestic abuse | Rachel L. Snyder (professor at American University and renowned journalist), introduction by Michael Snyder (US embassy Tallinn)
11:15 | Break the silence or break the victims? | Martin Šmutov (editor-in-chief, Õhtuleht), Mihkel Kärmas (journalist and TV host, ERR), Kärt Anvelt (journalist, Eesti Päevaleht)
Moderator: Kersti Kaljulaid
In covering intimate partner abuse, the media must carefully consider whether to give victims the opportunity to tell their story or keep silent to protect them. In a small country like Estonia, where anonymity is difficult to guarantee, the risk of causing further harm is high. 
At the same time, social improvement is only possible if we manage to break the wall of silence surrounding these hidden crimes. How can we create good trauma-informed journalism that protects victims?
11:50 | What do the numbers tell us? | Hannaliisa Uusma (director of the domestic violence prevention programme)
12:10 | How are we actually influenced? | Urmas Viilma (archbishop, EELC), Helen Lõhmus (film producer and director), Maria Murumaa-Mengel (social scientist and social media researcher, University of Tartu), Maarja Punak (web police, PBGB)
Moderator: Taavi Linnamäe
The daily flow of information around us often includes abuse and abuse or focuses on violent themes. Often, we no longer even notice it – social media threads, art, daily interactions with friends or colleagues, and the various networks we are part of. All this directly shapes our own attitudes. How can we shape the information space (incl. social media) so that there is less violence in society?
12:45 | Lunch at UMA Restaurant and Lore Bistro
13:30 | Announcement of micro funding for innovative ideas to prevent intimate partner abuse | Charlotte Wrangberg (Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to Estonia)
13:40 | Technology: a tool for abuse and violence or tool for prevention and protection? | Kaire Tamm (head of the victim support and prevention services department, Social Insurance Board), Liisa Abel (public sector business manager, CGI), Kaspar Urmas Oja (assistant prosecutor, Northern District Prosecutor’s Office)
Moderator: Liiri Oja (head of NHRI activities, Chancellor of Justice Office)
In the complex world of today, do the opportunities for assistance and information enabled by technology outweigh the added privacy and control risks? And could Estonia’s strong technology sector contribute to security?
14:15 | Amazon UK experiences as a domestic abuse informed global company| 
Lucy Baker (HR partner, Amazon UK)
14:45 | Coffee break
15:10 | Launch of the employer initiative ‘Employers against intimate partner abuse’
15:25 | What can employers do? | Kadi Piikov (chief of employee experience, Enefit), Mergit Inno (sales and marketing director, SOL Baltics), Kristy Valgma (managing director, Ensto Estonia), Kaido Ulejev (business manager for the Baltics, Betsson Group)
Moderator: Grete Lõbu
The first Estonian companies dedicated to shaping a workplace environment that is aware of intimate partner abuse in the coming years will share their experiences and goals.
16:00 | Closing of the conference
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In Estonia, intimate partner abuse is so prevalent that it affects every Estonian.
This year, the central theme of the conference is the ethical and trauma-informed information space. We will discuss various types of media (journalism, social media formats) and their role in both normalising and countering violence and abuse. We will engage in discussions with journalists, media experts, researchers and influencers.
The keynote speaker is the acclaimed journalist and professor at American University, Rachel Louise Snyder. She has written for major US media outlets for years, including The New York Times, The New Yorker and The Washington Post. Her books on intimate partner abuse have also received notable recognition.
At this year’s conference, President Kaljulaid Foundation (PKF) will officially launch the employer initiative ‘Employers against intimate partner abuse’. With this initiative, the foundation and employers aim to make an impactful contribution to the prevention and reduction of intimate partner abuse.
A representative from Amazon UK, along with the first major Estonian companies that have started raising awareness of intimate partner abuse and creating a safe organisational culture, will discuss the impact of intimate partner abuse on the 
workplace and the ways employers can contribute to its reduction.
We will announce PKF’s autumn micro funding for new and innovative ideas contributing to the prevention of intimate partner abuse in Estonia.
Supporters: Baltic-American Freedom Foundation, U.S. Embassy, UK Embassy, Swedish Embassy, Delfi.

Stronger Together 2024 conference schedule

The general assembly of the Estonian Olympic Committee elected Kersti Kaljulaid as president of the organization. 
The vote took place at the 50th plenary session at Tallinn Hilton Park Hotel on the 11th of October.
Kaljulaid, who served as the fifth president of Estonia between 2016 and 2021, got 62 votes in Friday&#8217;s second-round run-off against former NOC president Urmas Sõõrumaa. Kaljulaid polled 62 votes to Sõõrumaa&#8217;s 57.
Kaljulaid named 2008 Olympic Champion Gerd Kanter and sports development chief Tiit Pekk as vice presidents.
The new executive board also includes: Mihkel Mardna, Tõnu Tõniste, Marti Hääl, Erki Nool, Raivo Rand, Assar Jõepera, Kristjan Koll, Natalja Inno, Anne Rei, Mart Tarmak, Kristjan Port, Martin Thomson, Leho Haldna, Mihhail Kõlvart, and ex officio chair of NOC athletes commission, rowing Olympic bronze Allar Raja.
Photo: Karli Saul/EOK

Together for Better Societies: Advancing Democracy, Empowering the Vulnerable, and Navigating the Societal Impact of Digitalization

Ukraine

President Kaljulaid Foundation is a dynamic do-tank founded by former President of the Republic of Estonia Kersti Kaljulaid. If you share our values, support us here!

Media

Stronger Together: Orange Special Program

Stronger Together 2024 conference schedule

Kersti Kaljulaid elected next Estonian Olympic Committee president

Kersti Kaljulaid served as the President of the Republic of Estonia from 2016-2021. During her time in office, she made her presence felt in both her homeland and the international arena.

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