Washington, D.C., November 14, 2023 – Prime Minister Kaja Kallas received the prestigious Jeane J. Kirkpatrick Award from the International Republican Institute (IRI) in Washington yesterday, November 13. The accolade recognizes Prime Minister Kallas and Estonia for their commitment to open governance, democratic principles, and their proactive role in addressing global geopolitical challenges.
In her acceptance speech, Prime Minister Kallas emphasized the joint responsibility of Europe and the USA in upholding a world governed by freedom and democracy. Quoting President Ronald Reagan, she asserted, “Freedom is a fragile thing and is never more than one generation away from extinction.” Kallas stressed the importance of continuous care and defense for democracy, insisting that it must yield tangible results for the people rather than just offering hope for a better future.
Highlighting Estonia’s achievements, Prime Minister Kallas showcased the country’s advanced e-services and digital state as examples of innovation serving the cause of democracy. “Today, 99% of our government services are offered online, from tax payments to parliamentary elections,” she stated. Kallas underlined that digitalization was not an end in itself; the goal was always to provide the best services for the people. She emphasized the need for governments to actively engage with technological progress, urging collaboration between Team Europe and Team America to ensure technology supports democratic societies effectively.
Commenting on the significance of the Jeane J. Kirkpatrick Award, named after America’s first female ambassador to the UN, Prime Minister Kallas noted its role in advancing social equality. “It helps to build a future where the head of government being a woman – or a man – no longer makes headlines,” she said. Kallas acknowledged the changing landscape of gender representation in leadership positions but stressed the ongoing collective effort required to achieve true equality.
The award, named after Jeane J. Kirkpatrick, a prominent foreign policy adviser, the first female ambassador to the UN, and an advocate for women in politics, signifies a commitment to promoting the political and civic involvement of women globally. Established in 2008, the ceremony took place at the headquarters of Amazon Web Services.
The IRI, celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, is an American NGO dedicated to promoting freedom and democracy worldwide, with the Women’s Democracy Network operating as part of the institute.
