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<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. 

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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. 

Societal Impact of Digitalization

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16 of Estonia’s leading employers have joined the initiative Employers Against Domestic Abuse, launched by the President Kaljulaid Foundation. They share the belief that the workplace plays an important role in preventing and reducing domestic abuse in Estonia.
“Sometimes, you bring up a topic and instantly sense how people connect with it. It can happen at home, at work, or in a public space. That’s when you know you’ve touched on something that truly matters,” said President Kersti Kaljulaid. “This happened to us at the President Kaljulaid Foundation about a year and a half ago, during our annual conference on domestic abuse. Some participants from the UK shared the idea that employers can play a significant role in reducing violencel in society. They can help their employees break free from abusive relationships and support them in building a new life. What&#8217;s more, it also makes economic sense for organisations. That was one of those moments—when some leaders were genuinely interested and engaged with the idea.”
To date, 16 Estonian employers have joined the initiative Employers Against Domestic Abuse, launched by the President Kaljulaid Foundation. They believe that the workplace can play a key role in preventing domestic abuse.
“We have brave men and women who have taken the first steps into what has been, until now, uncharted territory—and they want to stand by their people. We are learning together, acting together, and I am genuinely moved every time I see someone who truly cares about ensuring that people in Estonia feel safe in their own homes—and that, as a result, they also have the strength to thrive at work,” President Kaljulaid added.
Domestic abuse is a widespread issue in Estonia, affecting everyone in one way or another. According to Statistics Estonia, 41% of women and 33% of men have experienced violence in an intimate relationship at least once in their lifetime. At the same time, nearly 700,000 people are employed in Estonia. This means that every day, employers come into contact with individuals who have either experienced domestic abuse, are perpetrators themselves, or are witnesses to it.
The Employers Against Domestic Abuse initiative offers employers tools, training, and access to a wide range of expert support to help raise awareness and build workplaces where signs of domestic abuse are recognised—and those in need are guided towards help.
The impact employers can have in raising awareness reaches hundreds of thousands of people
Agris Peedu, Chairman of the Management Board of Regionaalhaigla, which recently joined the initiative for a three-year period, noted that as a major healthcare provider in Northern Estonia and the islands, they cannot remain on the sidelines when it comes to such a vital issue. “Caring is at the core of who we are. By raising awareness among our more than 5,300 employees and equipping them with the necessary skills and tools to identify and support those in need—even in such a sensitive area as domestic abuse—we can help build a healthier and safer society together. In addition, our hospitals treat over 150,000 patients each year, not to mention the many family members who accompany them,” Peedu explained.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1969" src="https://admin.kerstikaljulaid.ee/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Agris-Peedu-2-PERH-1-300x200.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://admin.kerstikaljulaid.ee/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Agris-Peedu-2-PERH-1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://admin.kerstikaljulaid.ee/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Agris-Peedu-2-PERH-1-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://admin.kerstikaljulaid.ee/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Agris-Peedu-2-PERH-1-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://admin.kerstikaljulaid.ee/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Agris-Peedu-2-PERH-1-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://admin.kerstikaljulaid.ee/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Agris-Peedu-2-PERH-1-6x4.jpeg 6w, https://admin.kerstikaljulaid.ee/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Agris-Peedu-2-PERH-1.jpeg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />
“Domestic abuse is a serious, yet often hidden problem in society—one that deserves more attention,” said Kristi Lomp, Member of the Management Board at Selver AS, upon joining the initiative as a Beacon Member. “As an employer, our responsibility goes beyond providing good working conditions—we are committed to supporting the mental and physical well-being of our employees. A safe and caring workplace is a core value for Selver.” She believes that employers can foster an environment where people feel empowered to ask for help—and are also capable of recognising and supporting those who need it.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1970" src="https://admin.kerstikaljulaid.ee/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Selveri-juht-Kristi-Lomp-4-1-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://admin.kerstikaljulaid.ee/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Selveri-juht-Kristi-Lomp-4-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://admin.kerstikaljulaid.ee/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Selveri-juht-Kristi-Lomp-4-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://admin.kerstikaljulaid.ee/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Selveri-juht-Kristi-Lomp-4-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://admin.kerstikaljulaid.ee/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Selveri-juht-Kristi-Lomp-4-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://admin.kerstikaljulaid.ee/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Selveri-juht-Kristi-Lomp-4-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://admin.kerstikaljulaid.ee/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Selveri-juht-Kristi-Lomp-4-1-6x4.jpg 6w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />
Workplace values shape society
The initiative was recently joined for a three-year period by the U.S.-based company Rush Street Interactive, which operates offices in both Tallinn and Tartu. “The statistics on domestic abuse in Estonia are shocking—they show that nearly every workplace may include individuals who have experienced or perpetrated domestic abuse,” said Ann-Marii Lääne, DEI Programs &amp; Events Manager at Rush Street Interactive. “As an employer, we recognise the significant role we play in supporting our people. Raising awareness and offering support helps us create a safe working environment—and the values we foster at work inevitably ripple out into society. We quite literally have the power to save lives.”
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1971" src="https://admin.kerstikaljulaid.ee/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Ann-Marii-Laane-RSI-1-300x202.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="202" srcset="https://admin.kerstikaljulaid.ee/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Ann-Marii-Laane-RSI-1-300x202.jpg 300w, https://admin.kerstikaljulaid.ee/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Ann-Marii-Laane-RSI-1-1024x689.jpg 1024w, https://admin.kerstikaljulaid.ee/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Ann-Marii-Laane-RSI-1-768x516.jpg 768w, https://admin.kerstikaljulaid.ee/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Ann-Marii-Laane-RSI-1-1536x1033.jpg 1536w, https://admin.kerstikaljulaid.ee/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Ann-Marii-Laane-RSI-1-2048x1377.jpg 2048w, https://admin.kerstikaljulaid.ee/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Ann-Marii-Laane-RSI-1-6x4.jpg 6w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />
A number of respected Estonian employers have joined the initiative. In addition to those already mentioned, the list includes SOL Baltics, Ensto Estonia, Enefit, Betsson Group, Lidl, Swedbank, Nordea, Telia, Bolt, IKEA, Seesam Insurance, Südameapteek, and Mõttekasv.
“It’s powerful to see how this issue resonates with organisations from such diverse sectors,” said President Kersti Kaljulaid, emphasising that domestic vabuse is a widespread societal problem that affects every one of us—employers included. She called on all Estonian employers to join the initiative.
Discover more about the initiative <a href="https://www.vagivallavabaks.ee/en">www.vagivallavabaks.ee</a>.

Sixteen esteemed employers in Estonia have joined the initiative

At the annual HR event EHRS Summit, the HR Awards were announced for the third time – the President Kaljulaid Foundation and the initiative Employers Against Domestic Abuse were selected as the winners in the HR Friend of the Year category.
&#8220;We are truly grateful as a team that our efforts have been recognised and we are considered important partners among HR enthusiasts. Our goal is to create domestic abuse-aware workplaces together with employers, and the support and continuous encouragement from HR teams are invaluable. This award belongs to everyone who has believed in us and supported us in one way or another on this journey,&#8221; says Triin Adamson, Head of the Initiative.
On February 18, at the EHRS Summit organised by the Estonian HR Society, the winners of the HR Awards were announced in five categories: HR Team, HR Initiative, HR Volunteer, HR Solution, and HR Friend. A total of 155 nominations were submitted in January for these five categories. The leadership group of the Estonian HR Society selected five finalists in each category. The winners were determined by the HR community, who had the opportunity to vote until February 11 – a total of 891 people participated in the voting!
The winners in other categories were:
HR Initiative: Väike Päike – Health Journey 
HR Team: Rademar HR Team 
HR Volunteer: Gerly Roosmets 
HR Solution: Persona
&#8220;The HR Awards are a great opportunity to highlight the contribution of the HR field to organizations and society at large. This recognition not only values the contributors but also inspires others and supports the well-being of Estonian organizations. The consistently high number of nominations and an exceptionally large number of voters confirm that the HR field is visible, influential, and increasingly valued. It is a joy to see how the HR community supports and encourages each other,&#8221; says Helo Tamme, founding member and president of the Estonian HR Society.

President Kaljulaid Foundation Honored with the HR Friend of the Year Award

Today, President Kaljulaid’s Fund and Estonian employers jointly launched the Employers Against Domestic Abuse initiative, which aims to help reduce domestic abuse. Among the first key members of the initiative are Enefit, Betsson Group, SOL Baltics, and Ensto Estonia. Regular members include IKEA, Bolt, Nordea, Lidl Estonia, and Swedbank.
“In Estonia, nearly 700,000 people are employed, including both perpetrators and victims of domestic abuse. Given that 41% of women and 33% of men in Estonia have experienced abuse in a relationship at least once in their lifetime, it is safe to say that employers encounter individuals affected by abuse daily—whether as victims, witnesses, or perpetrators,” said Head of the Initiative, Triin Adamson.
She pointed out that while domestic abuse primarily occurs outside the workplace, it also impacts employee well-being, colleagues, and the overall work environment.
“Domestic abuse in intimate relationships causes serious emotional, psychological, and physical trauma, as it is often inflicted by the person who seems to care for us the most. Research shows that domestic abuse has, in addition to its direct individual impact, a significant effect on work life. For example, Vodafone’s internal research revealed that 75% of employees who experienced domestic abuse reported that it negatively affected their performance and career progression,” Adamson added.
To raise awareness and create domestic abuse-aware workplaces, the Employers Against Domestic Abuse initiative provides training, tools, educational materials, and networking opportunities for sharing experiences and ideas. The initiative has also published a handbook to guide employers in addressing domestic abuse effectively.
“Too many cases of domestic abuse in Estonia go unnoticed, leaving victims without the support they need. That’s why it is crucial for bystanders, including employers, to understand the nature of abuse, recognise warning signs, and direct victims to the help they need. Employees spend nearly half their waking hours in the workplace or working remotely, which provides ample time to observe changes in behaviour and workplace dynamics,” said President Kersti Kaljulaid. “With this initiative, we are offering hope to victims and a toolbox for employers to recognise concerns and offer support. Employers may often be the first to notice problems and provide support,” she added.
The initiative was officially launched at Estonia’s largest conference on domestic abuse, Stronger Together, where representatives from the first key members discussed the role of employers in preventing abuse. This year’s conference focused on creating an ethical and trauma-informed information space. The discussion addressed the influence of media (journalism and social media) both in normalising abuse and challenging these norms. Speakers included Martin Šmutov, Mihkel Kärmas, Urmas Viilma, and others.
Watch the conference recording here: <a href="https://epl.delfi.ee/artikkel/120340450/otse-aasta-suurim-lahisuhtevagivalla-konverents-koos-tugevamad">https://epl.delfi.ee/artikkel/120340450/otse-aasta-suurim-lahisuhtevagivalla-konverents-koos-tugevamad</a>

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

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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!

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Sixteen esteemed employers in Estonia have joined the initiative

President Kaljulaid Foundation Honored with the HR Friend of the Year Award

Employers Against Domestic Abuse Initiative Launched

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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