Young Leaders Program Alumni Conference 2026

 

The purpose of the Young Leaders Program (YLP) is to develop the skills of young leaders, as well as establishing new relationships on both sides of the Baltic Sea. Participants are selected from a range of different sectors such as academia, business, culture, NGO-s, politics and public sector.

The YLP consists of a combination of lectures, meetings and professional exchange both in Estonia and in Sweden. The program gives participants a unique opportunity for networking and develop new opportunities for future Swedish-Estonian collaborations.

The YLP was established in 2022, organized by the Sweden-Estonia Cooperation Fund and funded by SEB and Swedbank. Since its inception, approximately 80 carefully selected participants have completed the program. In 2026, a further 20 leaders will join, bringing the Sweden–Estonia network to nearly 100 distinguished members.

On Tuesday, 19 May 2026, the Sweden–Estonia Cooperation Fund will host the Young Leaders Program (YLP) Alumni Conference at the Arvo Pärt Centre in Laulasmaa, Estonia — a unique architectural and cultural landmark set in a tranquil coastal forest.

The Alumni Conference will bring together current participants, alumni, partners and invited guests for a day of discussions, insights and forward-looking dialogue on leadership, cooperation and future challenges facing the region. The programme will conclude with an official dinner with a Guest of Honour.

Read more about the program and practicalities below.

 
 
 

Conference Program on Tuesday May 19, 2026

  • Organised bus transfer from Tallinn Airport to the Arvo Pärt Centre in Laulasmaa will be provided. Registration in advance required to info@sweestfund.org

  • Arrival, check-in, badge collection, buffet lunch, and informal networking with participants.

  • Michael Pärt, CEO of Arvo Pärt Endowment

    Pär Nuder and Kadri Land, Co-Chairs, Sweden-Estonia Cooperation Fund

  • Panel Discussion on Politics

    Moderator: Sandra Kamilova, Miltton New Nordics

    • Gustaf Reinfeldt

    • Pärtel Peeter Pere

    • Virve Linder

    • Anna Ljungdell

  • Networking break with coffee — a short refreshment break with coffee, tea, and light snacks, providing an opportunity for informal discussions and networking.

  • Moderator: Anna Ljungdell

    • Cecilia Linden, Scandinavian Chamber of Commerce

    • Kerli Ats,  Estonian Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce

    • Marek Kiisa, Member of the Board

    • Pär Nuder, Member of the Board

  • Piano interlude with selected works by Arvo Pärt, performed by pianist Johan Randvere — a serene musical reflection at the Arvo Pärt Centre

  • Guided tour of the Arvo Pärt Centre — an introduction to the life and work of Arvo Pärt and the centre’s unique architecture

  • Formal dinner with a Guest of Honour — featuring keynote remarks and networking among participants and invited guests

  • Group transfer by bus from Arvo Pärt Centre in Laulasmaa to Tallinn. Registration in advance is required info@sweestfund.org