During the war, Ukraine faces not only security challenges but also an outflow of human capital. At the same time, professionals with international experience are willing to return if there are opportunities for real impact. Such opportunities are provided by the Create Ukraine programme — an initiative adapted from the Lithuanian Create Lithuania model and implemented in Ukraine by the KSE Foundation in partnership with the Central Project Management Agency of Lithuania (CPVA).
This was discussed in a podcast for Latvijas Radio by Maryna Borysenko, Director of Programs and Implementation at the KSE Foundation. The full podcast is available via the link.
Below are the key takeaways from the conversation:
“Create Ukraine differs from traditional ‘talent return’ programs by creating opportunities for real influence. Participants work directly with ministers and deputy ministers, contributing to decision-making and international negotiations.”
“This is not an internship. It is full-scale project work — from international agreements to European integration processes and events such as the Ukraine Recovery Conference.”
“The program has proven its effectiveness: in 2025, Create Ukraine was scaled from 10 to 25 participants, and 9 out of 10 stayed in Ukraine.”
“Create Ukraine helps transform the public sector: professionals with international experience are integrated into teams and work on reforms and European integration. This creates a new model of public governance, where people and their real impact play a key role.”
The Create Ukraine programme is funded by Lithuania through the Lithuanian Fund for the Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid and is aimed at supporting the return and successful integration of Ukrainian youth currently living abroad into Ukraine’s public sector.
The programme is implemented by the Lithuanian Central Project Management Agency in partnership with the KSE Foundation, with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania and in close cooperation with the Government of Ukraine.
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