Creative global city

Lifelong learning is the new reality and a natural part of everyday life that helps people adapt flexibly to the changes occurring in society. Everyone is learning, not only children. The entire education system is contemporary and fosters creativity and interest in learning and self-development. There are many opportunities for lifelong learning: nursery schools and childcare establishments, schools and universities, cultural and sports institutions, cinema and theatre, facilities for hobbies, exercising and playing. The entire city environment offers diverse opportunities for self-development, gaining new experiences, acquaintances and meetings and acquiring new knowledge and skills. Communities participate in the organisation of lifelong learning. Schools have become community centres that are used for hobbies and adult training in the afternoon and where the young and old and entire families have something to do. Studies are organised at a high level in each school, the teachers working there are smart and emphatic, and children and their parents can be proud of their nearest school. The desire and daily task of educational institutions and teachers is to get children, young people and adult learners interested in discovering and experimenting and in finding new solutions. High-level digital literacy is widespread, and the digital infrastructure supports lifelong learning.

Tallinn is known as a reputable centre of innovation, where international companies also bring new products and services to the market. This is the place where new initiatives are launched, and new trends are created and set. The people of Tallinn are open to everything new and want to use the latest technology. Labour-intensive business models have been replaced by research-based, nature-friendly and resource-efficient business models, which are supported by the active use of digital technology in the business and public sectors. Tallinn participates in research in order to design the best city of the future. Research, development and educational institutions, entrepreneurs and citizens' associations cooperate closely. New models and services are tested in planning, construction and mobility. The urban space in Tallinn fosters new meetings and joint activities that create a foundation for innovation. New approaches and new solutions are also being tested in the management of the city without the fear of making mistakes, but with mistakes seen as opportunities for learning and development.

Tallinn is a city of creative people that encourages everyone to dip into their talents. Creativity is expressed in simple daily activities as well as in works that influence world culture. The city is also characterised by creative boldness and a desire for freedom. Works of street art adorn the streets of Tallinn; the design of the urban space is playful and subdistrict groups add colour to their neighbourhoods. Tallinn has created the conditions necessary for the development of world-class culture. People from all over the world who are interested in culture have a reason to visit the city: The events calendar of Tallinn offers something for everyone. Something is always going on in the city. Citizens love going to concerts, the theatre, entertainment establishments and sports competitions. Even taking a walk in urban nature can be an event. International conferences increase international awareness of Tallinn. Tallinn has this je ne sais quoi that gives it a place among the cultural capitals of this world.

Tallinn protects its building heritage and keeps its architectural ensembles as complete as possible. New developments are naturally blended into the surroundings by creating a complete living environment. Areas of cultural and environmental value are accessible and attractive. As a result of protection and care, Tallinn is a city with many historical layers that stands out all over the world. The Old Town of Tallinn is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The languages and cultural heritage of Estonians and the other nationalities living in Tallinn are protected and developed. Memory institutions are not passive collectors of information but provide opportunities for experiencing our cultural heritage and are part of the open learning space. Tallinn has a world-class library that, as part of the public urban space, is an inspiring place for gatherings, meetings and activities and a city archive with one of the biggest collections in Europe, which is an important historical research centre.