At the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC 2025), the second phase of the Create Ukraine program was officially launched. This initiative creates conditions for the return of Ukrainian professionals currently living abroad and engages them in the country’s reforms and EU integration efforts.
On July 10 in Rome, a memorandum was signed, officially launching the new recruitment wave. Applications are now open on the program’s website until September 10: https://foundation.kse.ua/en/create-ukraine?utm_source=release_urc
Launched in 2024 as a pilot project, Create Ukraine was designed to bring talented Ukrainians with international experience into the public sector. In 2025, the initiative is scaling up: following a competitive selection and interview process, 25 young professionals will be chosen to work in ministries and key government institutions.
The second phase is funded by the Lithuanian Fund for the Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid, and modeled after the Create Lithuania program. It is implemented by the Central Project Management Agency in partnership with the KSE Foundation and the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania and close cooperation with the Government of Ukraine.
Yuliia Svyrydenko, First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine – Minister of Economy of Ukraine: “Our goal is not only to rebuild, but to develop Ukraine as a modern, effective, and European state. People are at the center of this transformation – those with new thinking and experience gained in democratic countries. Together with our Lithuanian partners, we have created a tool for return, professional growth, and meaningful impact. During the pilot in 2024, ten brilliant professionals joined the Ministry of Economy. They became full-fledged, highly valued members of our team, working on multimillion-dollar agreements, participating in international negotiations, and implementing strategic reforms. The key message I want to send to Ukrainians abroad: Ukraine is waiting for you – you are needed here.”
Kęstutis Budrys, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania: “Ukraine needs its brightest minds now more than ever. This program provides a structured pathway for young professionals abroad to return, lead, serve, and shape a future in Europe. Lithuania is honored to stand beside them – not just as a donor, but as a partner in transformation.”
The program targets Ukrainian citizens aged 22–35 currently living abroad who want to apply their knowledge and experience to Ukraine’s recovery and transformation.
Olga Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime-Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic integration – Minister of Justice: “Engaging young professionals in public service is vital, especially as Ukraine advances towards EU integration. Motivated and qualified youth can significantly boost the country’s institutional capacity. The Create Ukraine initiative provides talented Ukrainians with international experience the opportunity to contribute to building a strong, and successful Ukraine; help to realise our shared European dream.”
Tetyana Berezhna, Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine: “Participants from the pilot phase joined our team and contributed to labor law reform – something that hadn’t been updated since 1972. They are involved in negotiations with the European Commission, preparing agreements, and analyzing markets. They’ve become an integral part of the Ministry. Most importantly, nearly all of them want to stay in Ukraine. The war hasn’t stopped them – because the desire to be part of change is stronger.”
The program aims not only to bring professionals back to Ukraine but to ensure their effective integration into the country’s systemic reforms. Participants will complete a certification course in Government Relations at the Kyiv School of Economics, take leadership-focused modules, and work directly on reform projects in areas such as the economy, public administration, institutional development, and EU integration.
Svitlana Denysenko, Director of the KSE Foundation: “This project is about the desire to be co-creators of a new Ukraine – strong, modern, and prosperous. We launched Create Ukraine during the full-scale war and saw how many young people were ready to leave their careers abroad to work for Ukraine’s future. That’s why in the second phase, we not only increased the number of participants to 25 but also expanded the opportunity to work with a broader range of ministries. For us, it’s crucial that this is not a temporary project, but a foundation for systemic and lasting change.”
Artūras Žarnovskis, Head of the Co-create Future of Ukraine Programme, Central Project Management Agency: “Ukraine’s recovery will be built not only with bricks and machines, but with people – skilled, visionary, and committed to democratic values. This programme is Lithuania’s investment in the very engine of Ukraine’s reform: human capacity.”
Learn more about Create Ukraine and apply here: https://foundation.kse.ua/en/create-ukraine?utm_source=release_urc