Marking the 20th anniversary of the Estonian National Defence Course, the first ever National Defence Conference will take place on October 2nd at the Tallinn Creative Hub. This occasion will bring together half a thousand graduates, individuals with in-depth knowledge of how defence, security and foreign policy crises are managed in Estonia.
Over the course of two decades, 2,100 people have passed the course including:
- leaders of municipalities, businesses and non-profit organisations,
- doctors, journalists, and educational and cultural professionals,
- politicians, including two later Prime Ministers,
- senior military personnel, including two Commanders of the Defence Forces,
- approximately 100 members of the Riigikogu,
- more than 400 public servants,
- and over 300 entrepreneurs.
“Our alumni are people who, after the course, know how Estonia’s defence, security and foreign policy decisions are made. Furthermore, they have put the knowledge into practice by solving similar crisis situations as the government, under the guidance of top officials, diplomats and experts,” Madis Mikko, Director of the Estonian National Defence Course explains.
The International Centre for Defence and Security already hosts two internationally renowned conferences: the Lennart Meri Conference, focusing on security and foreign policy, and the ABCD Conference, which covers defence issues. The National Defence Conference will focus on Estonia.
“The National Defence Conference is like a general mobilisation of alumni. We wish them to be more engaged with and courageously involved in the development of Estonian national defence. I am sure that this way we can avoid mistakes and prevent misunderstandings in securing our common home,” Mikko says.
The first National Defence Conference will be opened by Kersti Kaljulaid, President of the Republic. Estonian defence, threats and defence capabilities will be analysed by Defense Minister Jüri Luik, Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu, Minister of the Interior Mart Helme, Secretary of State Taimar Peterkop, Director General of the Estonian Security Police Arnold Sinisalu, Director General of the Information System Authority Margus Noormaa, and other higher state public servants and experts. Prime Minister Jüri Ratas will give concluding remarks.
The International Centre for Defence and Security organises the first National Defence Conference in cooperation with the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The conference language is Estonian.
Additional information:
Madis Mikko, Director of the Estonian National Defence Course, [email protected], +372 518 8281
Media Contact:
Triin Oppi, Head of Communications, International Centre for Defence and Security, [email protected], +372 502 5120