Fifty thousand volunteers, representing four percent of the total population of Estonia, mobilized on a single day in 2008 to clean the entire nation. Initiated by Rainer Nõlvak, this civic action movement transcended its Baltic origins to become a global phenomenon involving 114 million participants across 211 countries and territories.
Business Development and Technology
Nõlvak established several companies including Curonia Research, Celecure, Docobo, Spacedrip, and Kodea. His most prominent venture was MicroLink, which became the largest computer manufacturer in the Baltic region. Beyond traditional business operations, he focused on shifting the Estonian energy sector's dependency away from oil shale. He published the Green Energy program to advocate for the implementation of renewable energy infrastructure.
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The cleanup initiative launched in 2008 expanded into Let's Do It! World. The movement reached 95 percent of United Nations member states. In 2023, the United Nations adopted resolution 78/122, which formally designated September 20 as World Cleanup Day. Nõlvak’s work in this sector earned him the title of Citizen of the Year in 2008 and the Estonian Volunteer of the Year award.
Public Service and Recognition
Nõlvak served as the chairman of the board for the Estonian Nature Fund. In 2014, the Estonian government recognized his contributions to society by awarding him the Order of the White Star, 3rd Class. In addition to his professional and activist career, he has participated as an athletics competitor.
Fast facts
- Born: 1966
- Citizenship: Estonia
- Awards: Order of the White Star, 3rd Class
- Known for: Initiating the Let's Do It! civic movement
- Companies founded: MicroLink, Curonia Research, Celecure, Docobo, Spacedrip, Kodea
Questions readers ask
What is the scale of the movement started by Rainer Nõlvak?
It has engaged 114 million participants across 211 countries and territories.
Which major company did Nõlvak found in the Baltics?
He founded MicroLink, which became the largest computer manufacturer in the Baltic region.
Achievements
- Order of the White Star, 3rd Class
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