Gea Kangilaski becomes head of Estonian Roundtable for Development Cooperation

TALLINN - Gea Kangilaski, who has previously worked at the Estonian Sexual Health Association, the Estonian Fund for Nature and the Estonian Trade Union Confederation, started work as the head of the Estonian Roundtable for Development Cooperation this week.

Kangilaski said that her decision to run for the top job at the Estonian Roundtable for Development Cooperation was prompted by the wish to make the world a better place.

"Climate change and pressure on the preservation of democratic institutions are making the world an increasingly insecure place. Only action taken intentionally towards sustainable development helps us in this, of which the Roundtable for Development Cooperation has been a champion in Estonia," Kangilaski said in a press release published on Friday.  

The new head of the Estonian Roundtable for Development Cooperation was chosen in a public competition.

Mari-Helene Kaber, member of the supervisory board of the Estonian Roundtable for Development Cooperation, described Gea Kangilaski's know-how, skills and record as being very well suited for leading the Estonian Roundtable for Development Cooperation.

"In addition to extensive know-how in the field of development cooperation and related topics, Gea also possesses experience in the management of an organization, including financial management skills," Kaber said. 

Kangilaski holds a diploma in economics from the Estonian University of Life Sciences and has studied philosophy at the University of Tartu. Active in municipal politics since 2013, Kangilaski is a member of the council of Tartu and the chair of the Social Democrat group in the council of Tartu. She intends to stay on as a member of the council while serving as head of the Estonian Roundtable for Development Cooperation. 

The Estonian Roundtable for Development Cooperation works towards three objectives: a clean environment, a just society that attaches value to the person, and an economy that benefits all. The organization brings together 33 Estonian non-governmental organizations which work towards these objectives all over the world.