From July 3–5, the 12th Estonia’s Friends International Meeting took place in Tallinn, bringing together around one hundred friends of Estonia from across the globe. This year’s guests arrived from Latvia, Finland, Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Japan, the United States, Canada, and beyond. The event was organized by Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom in cooperation with various supporters and partners.

The patrons of the gathering are one of the event’s original initiators, former President of Estonia Toomas Hendrik Ilves, and entrepreneur and investor Sten Tamkivi.

“When we first brought Estonia’s friends together in this format in 2010, we could never have imagined that this tradition—established through cooperation between Estonia’s private sector and the state—would last for decades, across governments and presidents. I’m truly glad that these summer gatherings continue to offer meaningful experiences and joy to both our guests and hosts,” said Toomas Hendrik Ilves, President of the Republic of Estonia from 2006 to 2016.

“For a small country like ours, global friends are not just a luxury or a joy—they are, in the truest sense, a security guarantee. Every decision-maker around the world who knows someone from Estonia personally, invests here, does business with us, and ultimately cares about Estonia, is a tremendous asset—and this event is a wonderful way to offer them a heartfelt summer thank-you,” added Sten Tamkivi.

“In today’s world, where complex times demand clear values and cooperation, gatherings like this are of immeasurable value. That’s why it’s especially important to keep alive the tradition that brings together people who genuinely care about Estonia,” noted Ivo Lille, CEO of Vabamu.

This year’s symposium, titled "Quo vadis, Estonia?", focused on the role of artificial intelligence in Estonian education and its broader impact on the economy and society. Speakers included Toomas Hendrik Ilves and Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas. The discussion panel featured Kristina Kallas, CTO of Pactum Taivo Pungas, CEO of Wundamental Kadri Tuisk, and Manager of AI & Robotics Estonia Kirke Maar. The panel was moderated by Sten Tamkivi.

The guests were welcomed by the President of the Republic of Estonia, Alar Karis, and Prime Minister Kristen Michal, who presented Estonia’s current priorities and future directions.

The gathering was supported by Estonian private sector companies: Skaala, Tolaram, NordicNinja, and Levira. The cultural program at the Arvo Pärt Centre, including a concert by the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra (ERSO), was supported by the Estonian Ministry of Culture. Many guests also took the opportunity to attend the XXVIII Song Celebration and XXI Dance Celebration, which were part of the cultural program.

The Estonia’s Friends International Meeting was established in 2010 with the aim of thanking and engaging international partners whose advice, contributions, and networks have supported Estonia’s development and global recognition. Over time, the meeting has become an important forum for sharing ideas and looking together toward the future.