About ESTDEV
The Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV) is a state foundation established to advance the international development cooperation objectives of the Estonian Government. In alignment with Estonia's foreign policy, ESTDEV focuses on strategic partnerships to reduce poverty, enhance democratic governance, promote digital development, strengthen education, and stimulate economic innovation in partner countries.
Through collaboration with Estonian civil society, public institutions, and private sector experts, ESTDEV develops tailored, innovative solutions that address the specific needs of partner countries. By leveraging Estonia's extensive reform experience, ESTDEV empowers and inspires its partners to achieve their sustainable development goals. Firmly grounded in the principle that sustainable development should enhance freedoms and security for all, ESTDEV advocates for democratic growth. The foundation is committed to ensuring that prosperity benefits all segments of society while upholding human rights and dignity.
Mission
ESTDEV organises and coordinates Estonia's participation in international development cooperation and long-term humanitarian aid projects to increase Estonia's contribution to global security and sustainable development. Based on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs's policy goals, ESTDEV implements projects utilising Estonian expertise from the public, private and third sectors, increasing Estonia's influence as an international donor and partner
Vision
We work to ensure sustainable development benefits individual freedoms and security. We inspire and empower Estonian partner countries to find innovative, sustainable solutions for the development of their country. As an advocate of European values, we share Estonia's reform experience in creating a coherent, democratic digital country while always considering our partners’ expectations and development needs. Our ambition is to become a competence centre so that others may look to Estonian know-how when implementing development cooperation projects and solving humanitarian crises. Within Estonia, we aim to improve society’s awareness of the possibilities of using development cooperation to strengthen global security and meet sustainable development goals.
Values
Commitment
We are a committed and reliable partner. We take responsibility for our actions and implement cooperation projects that value the wishes and needs of the partner country and work with them to promote an inclusive society.
Professionalism
We are experts in our field and work with outside experts from Estonia’s public, private and third sectors. We set high standards when organising projects and working with partners.
Performance
We implement the agreed goals by giving partners and team members freedom of action, feedback and recognition. When implementing goals, we consider the impact that can be achieved. We adapt to the changing environment and are open to new ideas and solutions.
Cooperation
We involve partners in our target countries. We look for common ground between their needs and wishes and Estonian foreign policy and economic diplomacy goals. Our cooperation projects meet ethical and moral standards based on honesty, trust and openness.
About the organisation
ESTDEV was established in April 2021 following the Government of the Republic of Estonia's approval of a Ministry of Foreign Affairs proposal to separate the policy development and implementation of Estonia's development cooperation. While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs retains responsibility for policy-making, ESTDEV was created to manage and finance Estonian cooperation projects and engage in global development initiatives.
In July 2024, the Estonian Eastern Partnership Center was merged with ESTDEV, facilitating a seamless transition to programming within the EU's Eastern Neighborhood. Additionally, the Africa Programme at ESTDEV was launched in September 2021 to implement the newly developed Estonia-Africa regional strategy.