Ten young Ukrainian professionals with international work experience are now actively contributing to reforms in Ukraine. Through the Create Ukraine program, they have returned home to drive economic change — ranging from developing a green finance ecosystem to attracting investments and organizing international events dedicated to Ukraine’s recovery. All of this has been made possible thanks to the experience of Create Lithuania.
The Create Ukraine program is based on the successful Lithuanian initiative Kurk Lietuvai, which has proven its effectiveness. Graduates of this initiative continue to scale their impact. One such graduate is Dalia Krapavickaitė, who completed Create Lithuania in 2023 and now oversees the implementation of its Ukrainian counterpart as a project manager at the Central Project Management Agency.
“Working on projects with Create Lithuania showed me how meaningful and engaging public sector work can be. My colleagues and I approached long-standing challenges by conducting thorough research and gathering expertise from all those the issue touched, treating every perspective as equally important. From these insights, we developed solutions that could shape laws and regulations, breaking through problems that had been stalled for years. It proved that real change is possible when institutions’ ongoing work is complemented by fresh perspectives, and this is why I find it important to bring this model to Ukraine through Create Ukraine — to help foster similar progress and create lasting impact,” shares Dalia Krapavickaitė.
Dalia Krapavickaitė, a graduate of the Create Lithuania program, project manager at the Central Project Management Agency
Create Lithuania: A Success Story
Create Lithuania is Lithuania’s first talent-return program, bringing together Lithuanians from around the world since 2012 to drive change in their home country. Participants of Create Lithuania work within ministries, government agencies, and other strategically important institutions, where they develop and implement reforms. Over 30% of them go on to become prominent politicians or continue working in the public sector after completing the program — including the current Minister of Economy, a former European Commissioner (now a Member of the European Parliament), deputy ministers, and advisors to the Prime Minister.
Over the years, the program has achieved significant results:
- Dozens of innovative projects in economics, social policy, and digitalization have been implemented;
- A professional network of experts has been created, who continue contributing to Lithuania’s development;
- It has proven that talent return is a strategic investment in a country’s future;
- Its experience and achievements have inspired Ukraine.
Why Does This Matter for Ukraine?
Like Lithuania in the past, Ukraine faces challenges that require decisive and professional action. The return of Ukrainian professionals from abroad not only strengthens state institutions but also facilitates the implementation of best global practices adapted to the Ukrainian context.
We are grateful to our Lithuanian partners for their experience and support. Together, we are building a Ukraine capable of sustainable reforms and development.
The Create Ukraine program is initiated by the EU, Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Economy of Ukraine and co-funded EU4Youth Programme managed by Central Project Management Agency. “Create Ukraine” project is implemented by the KSE Foundation.