News

Initiated by the Sweden–Estonia Cooperation Fund, the Young Leaders Program (YLP) will take place in 2026, bringing together 20 promising young leaders from Estonia and Sweden. The aim of the program is to strengthen cooperation between the two countries, develop participants’ leadership skills, and build long-term professional networks across different sectors.

Participants come from the public sector, business, culture, academia, and politics, reflecting the diversity and cooperation potential of both societies. The program takes place in two parts and locations – Sweden and Estonia – and includes meetings, discussions, and knowledge exchange with recognized leaders in their fields. The goal is to support the emergence of new ideas, collaborative projects, and cross-border initiatives. Since its launch in 2022, YLP has created a strong Sweden–Estonia network of leaders with nearly 100 alumni.

Together with Janar Sutt from the Sweden–Estonia Cooperation Fund, this year’s program—now in its fifth edition—was officially launched. The opening meeting took place in the second week of April at the Residence of the Swedish Embassy in Tallinn, where Swedish Ambassador Charlotte Wrangberg welcomed the participants. In her remarks, the Ambassador spoke about Sweden–Estonia relations and emphasized the importance of long-term initiatives in strengthening practical cooperation and fostering mutual understanding between our societies.

Ave Sophia Demelemester, Director of Music Estonia, commented: “I am very pleased to have been selected for this program – I strongly believe in cross-sector synergies as well as cooperation with neighboring countries. In recent years, I have focused on the strategic development and funding of Music Estonia’s activities and on strengthening international cooperation, particularly in the Nordic and Baltic regions. I see the Young Leaders Program as an opportunity to develop my leadership skills, gain a deeper understanding of the Swedish market—which is a key focus for Music Estonia in the coming years—and to build meaningful connections that support future collaboration and the development of the sector. I am also very happy to see representation from the cultural sector in the program, including Mikk Granström from the Black Nights Film Festival.”

The program curriculum lasts for one year and includes lectures and meetings in Tallinn and Stockholm. The goal is to share experiences, build networks, and develop new forms of cooperation between our countries.

Estonian participants:
Aet Kruusimägi – Kohtla-Järve State Secondary School
Anu Puulmann – University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy / Freedom Coaching
Ave Sophia Demelemester – Music Estonia
Elisabet Visnapuu – SEB
Karl Johann Luht – Swedbank
Keiu Land-Boyd – Mediabrands Digital
Kristiina Toots – Helmes / Estonian Climbing Associations
Mikk Granström – Black Nights Film Festival / Tallinn University
Mikk Tarros – Räpina Municipality
Vootele Päi – Tehnopol Science and Business Park / Social Democratic Party

Swedish participants:
Björn Jarfors – Lund University Faculty of Engineering
Dan Jansson – Stockholm University
Elin Finnell – Hilti
Emma Berginger – Swedish Parliament Riksdagen
Ida Uhlin – Swedbank
Marcus Molitor – SEB
Nicholas Nikander – Paues Åberg Communications / Stockholm School of Economics
Oliwer Karlsson – Youth 2030 Movement / Nordic Network
Sigrid Hadenius – Uppsala Short Film Festival
Åsa Hoang – Stockholm University of the Arts