arengukoostööpartnerlussuhted

Arengukoostöö is an Estonian term that translates to development cooperation. It refers to the efforts undertaken by Estonia to support the development of other countries, particularly developing nations. This cooperation encompasses a range of activities aimed at fostering economic, social, and political progress in partner countries.

Estonian development cooperation is guided by principles of partnership, sustainability, and mutual respect. The focus is often on sharing Estonia's own experiences and expertise, particularly in areas where Estonia has achieved significant progress, such as e-governance, digital transformation, and public administration reform. Other key sectors of focus include education, health, environmental protection, and good governance.

The Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV) is the primary institution responsible for coordinating and implementing Estonia's development cooperation programs. ESTDEV works in close collaboration with various government ministries, non-governmental organizations, and international partners. Funding for these initiatives comes from the Estonian state budget and contributions from international organizations.

Estonia's development cooperation policy emphasizes bilateral partnerships, meaning direct engagement with specific countries. While the number of partner countries can vary, Estonia often focuses on countries in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and Africa. The ultimate goal of arengukoostöö is to contribute to global poverty reduction and sustainable development, aligning with international commitments such as the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.