A nationwide civic initiative, “Hakkab looma!” (Story of Estonia), has been launched in partnership with Citizen OS and several others to engage at least 30,000 people in imagining what Estonia could be like in 2050.
Opening of the Story of Estonia dream-gathering initiative at Loo School, Estonia. Photo: Marko Mumm
Over 40 companies and organisations have already joined the project. The virtual platform for collecting dreams, powered by Citizen OS participation platform, was officially opened at Loo School.
We need clarity: what should we preserve, what should we let go of, and what should we create anew? Now is the time to start building that future. It would be great if we could agree on at least some things that are essential to protect and develop.
Why do we need a collective dreaming initiative?
“There is no shared vision for Estonia in 2050, no future story that looks beyond today’s crises,” explains project initiator Eva Truuverk.
“Just as the dream of a free Estonia helped people endure 50 years of occupation, we now need a collective vision for the future. Without it, young people struggle to plan their lives, and scientific and innovative solutions to critical challenges remain underutilised.”
Today, we stand at another major turning point—globally, in Europe, and in Estonia. Anxiety levels are high. We face uncertainty about security, geopolitics, artificial intelligence, and climate change. Populations are ageing, health issues are increasing, and birth rates are declining. It feels as though everything is shifting.
“In moments like these, it is especially important to have a dream—something to hold onto and a direction to work towards,” says Truuverk.
“We need clarity: what should we preserve, what should we let go of, and what should we create anew? Now is the time to start building that future. It would be great if we could agree on at least some things that are essential to protect and develop.”
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The power of collective dreaming
“By dreaming together, we can build a resilient and adaptable society that is better prepared for an uncertain future,” says Liisi Pajula, a junior researcher at the University of Tartu’s Institute of Education, who studies dreaming and future thinking in the context of sustainability.
Young people are especially affected by today’s uncertainties. To ensure their voices are heard, the project’s patrons are individuals born in 2000—a generation that will turn 50 in 2050 and has a vested interest in shaping the future.
Sander Etverk, an architecture student, believes dreaming is essential because it provides peace of mind and direction. “Dreams help us set goals, overcome obstacles, and stay motivated to achieve what we truly want. When we have a clear vision and put in the effort, our dreams often come true.”
His peer, actress Karmen Karus, adds: “Dreaming gives life a sense of purpose—one that comes from the heart. When we dream together, we gain the courage to take action. Estonia’s future depends on our shared dreams and, more importantly, the steps we take to realise them. If we don’t think about the future now, then when?”
Eva Truuverk speaking at the opening of the Story of Estonia dream-gathering event at Loo School, Estonia.
Photo: Marko Mumm
How are dreams collected?
Anyone who wants to contribute to Estonia’s future vision can submit their dreams—individually, in small groups, or as communities—via the virtual platform www.hakkablooma.ee until 20 May.
The project uses the Citizen OS participation platform, a secure and open online space where people can freely share their thoughts. All dreams remain anonymous, no data is shared with third parties, and submissions cannot be linked to any individual. Even though Story of Estonia website is available only in Estonian, dreams can be added in preferred language and the Citizen OS platform is available in English, German, Russian and Slovak languages.
The online dream-gathering platform is divided into five sections:
Schools (gymnasium level)
Schools (grades 5–9)
Schools (grades 1–4)
Groups and collectives
Individual dreamers
All participants can select the group that best fits them and submit their dream by clicking the “Add your idea” button. They can also scroll through and explore what others have been dreaming about.
After 20 May, experts from the AIRE Centre and students from Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) will use artificial intelligence to analyse the collected dreams.
Project leader Eva Truuverk believes that analysing these dreams will lead to smarter decisions. “The greatest expert on Estonia’s future is its people. Our role is to collect and analyse this collective wisdom.”
Project Timeline
20 March – Story of Estonia launch & platform opening at Loo School.
30 April – Nationwide school dreaming event.
3 May – National Dreaming Day inpartnership with Teeme Ära talgupäev (Let’s Do It Collective Action Day).
20 May – Platform closes; analysis begins.
August – Public presentation of results.
Who’s involved?
Over 40 companies and organisations have joined the initiative, including: Tantsu- ja Laulupeo SA, Alexela, Ülemiste City, AIRE/TalTech, Citizen OS, Vabamu, Rohetiiger, Agenda PR, Division.
Dreaming sessions will take place in schools, libraries, and communities across Estonia, with more locations being added.
The project is supported by Elisa, Selver, the European Union, the Ministry of the Interior, and Skaala.
Project Patrons (Born in 2000):
Nicole-Engel Erich, Karmen Karus, Harli Lees, Sander Etverk, Toomas Samuel Silbaum, Karl-Vilhelm Valter, Annabel Jürgenson, Kätriin Huttonen.
Project Team:
Led by Eva Truuverk, Ede Schank Tamkivi, Katri Gailit, Tiivi Püvi, Birgit Kermes, and Kirsike Kukk-Viiol, with around 30 volunteers contributing.
