Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas emphasized that Estonia’s economic competitiveness depends on how well young people are prepared for the AI era. Education must provide students with practical skills for using AI, which are essential for the future job market.
"If we want AI to support not only learning but also economic growth, we must invest in teacher training. Only well-prepared educators can integrate AI into schools in a strategic and responsible way," Kallas stated. She also highlighted the importance of developing language technologies to ensure that AI contributes to the sustainability of the Estonian language and culture in the digital age.
During a bilateral meeting at Tallinn Music and Ballet School (MUBA), Minister Kallas introduced her Finnish counterpart to Estonia’s ongoing education reforms and AI-related initiatives.
In the afternoon, the ministers met with, editors-in-chief of Postimees and Delfi, to discuss media literacy and information warfare. They also visited the Rakett69 Science Studio, where they met with representatives of Unicorn Squad, a technology initiative for girls.
The open discussion on AI at Tallinna Pelgulinna State Gymnasium included students, teachers, and ministers of both countries. The signing of the Estonian-Finnish joint declaration can be rewatched on the Facebook page of the Estonian Ministry of Education and Research.
Estonian – Finnish Declaration "Embracing AI and Media Literacy in Education to Safeguard Democracy and the Rule of Law"
Photos available on Flickr.
