Within the “Create Ukraine” program, co-financed by the EU, a selection process is underway for young Ukrainians with international experience to participate in government programs for rebuilding the country. Participants will help to implement economic reforms amid the challenges of war. The pilot project, managed by the Central Project Management Agency, is being carried out by the KSE Foundation, based on the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine.
Yuliia Svyrydenko, First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine – Minister of Economy of Ukraine: “Create Ukraine is a program for young Ukrainians who want to return to their homeland today and contribute to Ukraine’s rebuilding efforts. It is designed for youth with ideas and visions on how our state should develop and who aim to put these ideas into practice. Working with the Ministry of Economy team and participating in training programs from the Kyiv School of Economics will help ‘Create Ukraine’ participants enhance their professional skills and gain experience that they can use for their future careers in Ukraine. This is an opportunity to work directly with my deputies and me personally. It is a chance to offer advice, participate in meetings, and take on leadership roles in various tasks. Through this, we aim to create conditions where our creative and innovative youth can shape the future of Ukraine.”
The “Create Ukraine” project launched in June following the signing of a memorandum of cooperation in Berlin at the International Conference on Ukraine’s Reconstruction between the Lithuanian organization Central Project Management Agency, the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, and the KSE Foundation. The initiative builds on Lithuanian experience – “Kurk Lietuvai” was launched in 2012 as a strategic government program and proved highly effective.
Tetyana Berezhna, Deputy Minister of Economy: “We are sincerely grateful to the Lithuanian government for their support in launching the ‘Create Ukraine’ program in Ukraine. This program is modeled after ‘Create Lithuania,’ which has been successfully operating in Lithuania for 12 years. It facilitates the return of citizens from abroad and their integration into government and state structures. 80% of participants in this program remain working in Lithuania, with 40% of them in the government or the public sector in Lithuania. Our goal is to scale this project in collaboration with governments of other countries to provide talented Ukrainians with experience abroad access to positions in Ukraine’s state institutions. This will, in turn, have a positive impact on Ukraine’s economy.”
The project aims to bring back young Ukrainians living abroad who are eager to contribute to economic transformations in their homeland and possess relevant experience and knowledge. Candidates who successfully pass all selection stages will have the opportunity to work for 10 months in an advisory and consultancy team at the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, directly influencing the country’s direction.
Svitlana Denysenko, Director of the KSE Foundation: “Working on reforms in Ukraine is both a challenge and a unique opportunity. The ‘Create Ukraine’ program opens doors to building a career in the public sector, allowing participants to have a real impact on the country’s development and enhance their professional skills. Our goal is to create a strong foundation for a robust Ukraine that values its talents and provides opportunities for young people to realize their ambitions here at home. The KSE Foundation is proud to collaborate with the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, CPVA, the EU, and the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on this important project.”
Those wishing to become participants in “Create Ukraine” must complete the application form by August 19 and wait for an invitation to an interview.
To learn more about “Create Ukraine” and to apply, visit: Create Ukraine
Dalia Krapavickaitė, project manager at CPVA: “As a former participant of Create Lithuania, I have seen firsthand the profound impact this program can have. Young participants drive long-term changes, from implementing new debt management laws to providing national access to real-time transportation schedules. More importantly, they transform public sector culture by fostering cooperation with civil society and adopting project management standards, making institutions more efficient and transparent. Some participants, after working closely with Deputy Ministers, have become Deputy Ministers themselves. I strongly wish the same for Ukraine – that young, motivated, and educated individuals will serve their country and ensure its future prosperity.”
Ukrainian citizens up to 35 can participate, and the project is part of the EU4Youth program aimed at youth empowerment.
At the time of application, candidates must have lived abroad for at least a year, worked in the economic sphere or international relations, or obtained a master’s degree from a foreign university.
Participants in “Create Ukraine” will undergo a GR certification program from the Kyiv School of Economics, receive favorable conditions for professional growth, and apply their international experience to benefit Ukraine.
The program is initiated by the EU, Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Economy of Ukraine and co-funded EU4Youth Programme implemented by Central Project Management Agency. “Create Ukraine” project is implemented by the KSE Foundation.