President Karis: It is time for us to foreground principles once again

Speaking at a public lecture on international law at Yale University in the United States today, President Alar Karis underscored the need to bring principles into political debate at the national, regional and international levels.

"International law and justice, friendly relations between countries, respect for peoples' right to self-determination, the promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms, the peaceful settlement of disputes and the sovereign right to self-defence are all far too important to be put on the back burner," the head of state remarked.

"Rules which are communally agreed and mutually adhered not only provide our existence with certainty and predictability, but also reduce friction in international relations. The key countermeasure here is a self-assured and informed society that understands what is happening, knows how to respond and does not allow itself to be unduly perturbed by it."

In regard to Russia's aggression, the head of state described it not as a struggle between two nations, but as a confrontation in which much more is at stake. "The world order as we know it is at risk," he warned. "Its principles are in the firing line. So is the Western value system, which has inspired so many nations to this point, and our way of life and world view, which could be scrambled."

President Karis branded Russia a threat not just to Europe or its neighbours, but to the democratic world in its entirety. "This battle is a fundamental one which, if lost, could inspire others who seek to undermine and ridicule the democratic world," he said. "We are all of us together in this tense, conflict-ridden situation. That which is at stake for Europe is also at stake for America: the ideals and principles written into the US Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, which also inspired the peoples of Europe and guided the development of democracy."

In addition to international law and justice, the head of state touched on technological revolutions, giving the example of the Tiger Leap programme that was launched in Estonia in the 1990s and the AI education programme initiated in secondary schools in the country this year. "We have made computers and the Internet our friends and accelerators," he remarked. "Now, the ability to use AI should become a key part of lifelong learning. The aim here is to empower our citizens to shape how AI is used, to think critically, to act creatively and to remain curious. If we succeed, we will not fear AI as an enemy, but trust it as a partner - one that helps us build a smarter, fairer and more human-centred society."

President Karis is visiting New York from 21-25 October, accompanied by his wife Sirje Karis as well as Minister of Culture Heidy Purga and a delegation from Estonia's creative industries. They will be attending two concerts at Carnegie Hall marking the 90th birthday of Estonian composer Arvo Pärt. Thereafter, the head of state and the business delegation will continue on to Chicago until 29 October, where President Karis will deliver a speech at the University of Chicago. TalTech and Tallinn University rectors Tiit Land and Tõnu Viik are also taking part in the visit.

Full text of President Karis' address (in English)

Gallery (Raigo Pajula/Office of the President of the Republic): https://www.flickr.com/photos/presidendikantselei/albums