To date, the cooperation between Estonia and USAID has been a great success. “In the last 12 years, we have implemented nearly 20 projects together, which have focused on promoting transparent, inclusive and responsible governance. We have cooperated in Moldova, the Western Balkans and Afghanistan,” said Kallas. “Estonia plans to further deepen the current excellent cooperation with USAID and expand it to other regions, such as Africa, by focusing on digital cooperation and education topics,” she added.
The meeting also involved long discussions of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and assisting Ukraine. "We need to help Ukraine rebuild the country now. I believe there are ways to cooperate with USAID in rebuilding Ukraine, for instance, in the digital field and development of e-governance, but also in modernising the energy sector,” Kallas added.
Opportunities for trilateral cooperation between Estonia, Ukraine and USAID were also discussed. “We would like to work together to bring digital solutions to the world and increase the e-governance capabilities of other countries. This is an opportunity to show solidarity with the countries who suffer more broadly from the effects of Russian aggression,” said Kallas.
Prime Minister Kallas also joined Administrator of USAID Samantha Power, European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa in the closing panel of the Open Government Partnership Summit. Kallas stressed that work for a better tomorrow and for preserving and developing democracy is ongoing. “What resonated with me most from the discussions at this summit is that equal partnership between the state, civil society and the private sector is key to initiating and delivering change. The example of Estonia and many other countries shows that this kind of equal partnership yields very good results. Let us use this potential, because everybody can win from this,” said Kallas.
Gallery: https://www.flickr.com/photos/stenbockimaja/albums/72177720310994076/page2
