Vanessa Nakate to Open Giving Black Conference 2026 With Climate Justice Keynote
1 week ago
Estonia Kersti Kaljulaid served as the President of Estonia, transitioning from roles in finance and auditing to become the nation's first female head of state.
Kersti Kaljulaid is listed as a Global Advocate of the UN Secretary-General for Every Woman Every Child and a Member of the International Advisory Council for GLOBSEC, an organization focused on global security, prosperity, and sustainability.
Kersti Kaljulaid discussed Estonia's digital revolution, economy, nature, and history with Dennis Wholey, showcasing the country as a digital nation.
Featured as a keynote speaker, highlighting her tenure as President of Estonia from 2016 to 2021 and her significant impact.
Kersti Kaljulaid commented on how Estonia's tech companies, such as Skype, Wise, and Bolt, have flourished without the presence of large multinationals.
Kersti Kaljulaid participated in a discussion on combating digital threats with trusted connectivity, also co-chairing the Global Tech Security Commission established jointly by the Atlantic Council and the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy.
President Kaljulaid's statements on digital solutions and smart connectivity giving new impetus to the Three Seas economies were featured.
President Kaljulaid visited the College's Dyson Robotics Lab and Data Science Institute to explore 'Industry 4.0' and next-gen technologies.
Featured as an expert, highlighting her advocacy for a non-restrictive legal space for digitalization and her roles as President of Estonia and economic advisor.
Kersti Kaljulaid is a Member of the Advisory Council for the Munich Security Conference.
Kersti Kaljulaid is a Member of the Advisory Board for the Centre for European Reform.
Kersti Kaljulaid is a Member of the Council of Women World Leaders.
Kersti Kaljulaid is a Member of the Council for the European Council on Foreign Relations.
Kersti Kaljulaid is a Member of the Board for the Yalta European Strategy.
Kersti Kaljulaid is a Member of the Board for the Stockholm Environment Institute.
Kersti Kaljulaid was born on December 30, 1969, in Tartu, Estonian SSR, Soviet Union. She completed her schooling at Tallinn Secondary School no. 44 in 1987, where she was involved in ornithology as part of the Students’ Scientific Association. She pursued higher education at the University of Tartu, graduating cum laude with a degree in biology in 1992. Later, in 2001, she earned an MBA in business management from the same university, with her thesis focusing on improving the management systems of state-founded foundations. Her early career included positions in the business sector, serving as a sales manager at Eesti Telefon from 1996 to 1997, a project manager at Hoiupanga Investeeringute AS from 1997 to 1998, and working in investment banking at Hansabank Markets from 1998 to 1999.
Kaljulaid’s career progressed into public service and leadership roles. From 1999 to 2002, she acted as the economic advisor to Estonian Prime Minister Mart Laar. Her leadership capabilities were further demonstrated when she became the director of Iru Power Plant, a subsidiary of Eesti Energia, from 2002 to 2004, marking her as the first woman to lead a power plant in Estonia. A significant international appointment followed in 2004, when Estonia joined the European Union, and Kaljulaid became the country’s representative at the European Court of Auditors, a position she held until 2016. Concurrently, since 2011, she has also chaired the board of the University of Tartu.
In 2016, Kersti Kaljulaid made history by being elected the fifth President of the Republic of Estonia, a role she held until 2021. She was the first woman and the youngest person to serve as Estonia’s head of state. During her presidency, she advocated for sustainability, digital development, and human rights. After her presidential term, she co-founded the President Kaljulaid Foundation in 2021, focusing on advancing democracy and addressing the societal impact of digitalization. In 2024, she was elected president of the Estonian Olympic Committee, further demonstrating her commitment to public service and national development.
Curious about our offerings or have inquiries? We're eager to assist!
Just complete the form, and we'll respond promptly.
