Estonia and United Arab Emirates join forces in education and innovation to rebuild Ukraine

The UAE has pledged around USD 3 million to fund the initiatives, while Estonia will contribute financially and, through the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV), take the lead in project management, coordination with Ukrainian institutions, and engagement with local and international partners on the ground. 

The partnership will focus on three key initiatives: 

• EDUHUB Methodology and Competency Centres. These centres will provide early childhood teachers with training in modern teaching methods, digital skills, and educational technologies. Based on Estonia’s “Teachers’ House” model, the centres will support the integration of STEM education and basic first aid into early learning, aiming to improve both the quality and accessibility of early years education in Ukraine. 

• Coding Unicorns: Future Skills Accelerators. This program will give young people - especially girls - access to coding and STEM education, helping them gain skills that are essential for higher education pathways and future job markets. 

• Future Entrepreneurs Program. Building on existing vocational training frameworks, this initiative will embed entrepreneurship education into curricula and equip students with practical business skills, financial literacy, and innovation competencies vital for Ukraine’s long-term recovery and economic growth. 

“Estonia and the UAE are uniting their strengths to deliver practical support in education, digital skills, and entrepreneurship - empowering Ukraine’s youth to shape a better future for themselves and for their country,” said H.E. Margus Tsahkna, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia. 

“Quality education is the cornerstone of a successful, strong and resilient society. As part of Ukraine’s recovery, Estonia has supported education projects in Zhytomyr Oblast to give children and youth the best possible start in life, and equip young adults with future-ready skills and an entrepreneurial mindset. With the UAE’s valuable support, we can now expand these efforts further and farther across the country,” commented Klen Jäärats, Executive Director of ESTDEV. 

This joint effort highlights the growing cooperation between Estonia and the UAE. The Declaration was signed by H.E. Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, and H.E. Martin Roger, Undersecretary for Political Affairs of Estonia, in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs, and H.E. Margus Tsahkna, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia.