ESTDEV welcomes Martin Tulit as head of Democracy and Rule of Law
Summary
As the head of Democracy and Rule of Law at the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV), Martin Tulit will be responsible for programmes strengthening democratic institutions, the rule of law and good governance in partner countries.
"Strong democratic institutions and rule of law require functioning state services, an active civil society and citizens who trust their state," said Tulit. "Estonia has experience in building these systems that it can share."
Tulit brings over a decade of public sector and international work experience to ESTDEV. He has worked at the Ministry of the Interior, where his responsibilities included developing policies related to civil society, integration, migration and religious affairs. He has international cooperation experience through European Union civilian missions in Georgia and Armenia, and he has also served on the supervisory boards of several state-owned foundations.
For ESTDEV, strengthening democracy and the rule of law entails practical cooperation, institutional reforms, good governance, developing modern law enforcement agencies, civil society development, and promoting media freedom. A significant part of this cooperation is dedicated to supporting the reforms partner countries need to make for EU integration.
"Ukraine is one of our key partner countries. There, Estonia supports, among other things, the reform and rebuilding of state institutions and the changes necessary for integration with the European Union. For instance, a programme to reform Ukraine's statistical system was launched this year together with Sweden, and the EU, and an Estonian-led training programme for police leaders is strengthening Ukraine's internal security and police system," said Tulit. "Ukraine's experience clearly demonstrates the importance of institutional capacity to manage a crisis while simultaneously implementing reforms. Estonia's role is to offer practical experience and expertise, but to do so as a partner, listening to the specific support Ukraine needs."
While Ukraine continues to be a priority, ESTDEV also works with partners in Moldova and Armenia and in several African countries on programmes related to democracy and the rule of law.
"Strengthening democracy and developing the rule of law is a long-term endeavour. Our goal is not to import ready-made solutions to partner countries, but to help create conditions where strong institutions, a functioning rule of law and a vibrant civil society can develop on their own," Tulit added.