We often talk about security in terms of borders and military. But what if our national defence actually started in the classroom? This central question drives an upcoming dialogue between acclaimed journalist Steve Paikin and Estonian Minister of Education Kristina Kallas, as they examine the evolving landscape of global and Canadian national security.
The discussion as part of the day one KESKfEST line-up, to be recorded for The Paikin Podcast, focuses on Estonia’s “education as defence” model. This strategy posits that cognitive and digital literacy are the primary safeguards for sovereignty in an era defined by technological disruption. How do we protect a country when the frontlines are no longer just borders, but the screens in our classrooms? As Canada faces new threats from foreign interference and rapid advances in AI, Estonia’s ‘education as defence' model offers a clear guide on how to help citizens spot misinformation and stay resilient in an increasingly digital world.
Dr. Kristina Kallas, a political scientist and strategic counsel for the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), currently oversees Estonia’s transition to unified language instruction. Under her leadership, the nation has integrated AI into classrooms as a defensive measure rather than a mere tool for efficiency. This approach suggests that true security is anchored in a resilient, united society capable of navigating a digital world.
Steve Paikin brings four decades of public-interest journalism and the experience of moderating nine leaders’ debates to the conversation. Paikin, an Officer of the Order of Canada, will explore how Estonia’s approach offers vital lessons for the future of Canadian classrooms and our national security. For the Estonian diaspora and all Canadians, this conversation highlights a vital truth: the resilience we foster in our classrooms today is the true foundation of our national strength tomorrow. For more information and for tickets, go to www.estoniancentre.ca/keskfest.
