Juhan Kivirähk proposed establishing a Convention on the Future of Estonia
Juhan Kivirähk proposed that the next president of Estonia support the creation of a Convention on the Future of Estonia. In a column for ERR News, he noted that this forum could develop long-term agreements and proposals based on social and economic research for the Riigikogu and the government.
According to the author, Estonian authorities do not make sufficient use of the findings of researchers and experts when making public policy decisions. Kivirähk wrote that ministries commission social studies every year, but their results often do not find practical application.
He noted that the country has a strategic plan called “Estonia 2035” in place, and work has begun on the national plan “Estonia 2050.” According to data cited in the column, 16 sectoral development plans are available on the government website.
For more breaking news, follow the UA.News Telegram channel.
Kivirähk also mentioned the “Sustainable Estonia 21” sustainable development strategy, approved by the Riigikogu in September 2005. The document called for the simultaneous development of Estonia’s cultural landscape, the well-being of its people, social cohesion, and ecological balance. The author believes that policymakers have primarily focused on short-term solutions rather than on the consistent implementation of such strategic approaches.
The idea of a Convention on the Future of Estonia was previously proposed by social scientists Erik Terk, Mati Heidmets, and Marju Lauristin in an article published by Postimees on June 13. According to their plan, the convention would not make final decisions but would formulate proposals for the parliament and the government.
Kivirähk believes that the President of Estonia can initiate important societal processes. As examples, he cited Presidents Arnold Rüütel and Toomas Hendrik Ilves, who, he said, supported the involvement of civil society in discussions of public policy.
