On 6 May, residents of Vilnius and visitors to the city are invited to a civic engagement celebration in Lukiškės Square. This free public event will officially mark the launch of the Civic Engagement programme under the Swiss–Lithuanian Cooperation Programme. Participants will be welcomed by an NGO tent village, a screening of the documentary Suleiman’s Story, and a concert by the singer Petunija and her band.
“Today, with the geopolitical situation remaining tense, Switzerland’s investment in strengthening civil society in Lithuania is especially significant. An empowered civil society not only supports vulnerable groups, but also fosters trust, solidarity and a sense of shared responsibility—values essential for a resilient democratic society capable of withstanding crises,” said Sandra Remeikienė, Deputy Director of the Central Project Management Agency (CPVA).
According to her, over the next five years the programme will help strengthen the work of Lithuanian non-governmental organisations (NGOs), promote greater civic engagement and volunteering among young people, and contribute to more effective integration of immigrants and refugees into society.
Event Programme
16:00 – Opening of the event. Visitors will be able to explore the NGO tent village. Participating organisations include the Lithuanian Red Cross, Save the Children Lithuania, Lithuanian Scouting, Assistance Dogs, and others. Activities for children and young people will be available.
17:30 – Official opening of the programme. Performer Mesijus and the choir “Ąžuoliukas” will take the stage with the piece Šlamantys. Following the opening remarks, a discussion titled Civic Engagement in Action: The Power of Volunteering will take place.
18:30 – Screening of the documentary Suleiman’s Story.
20:00 – Concert featuring the alternative pop artist Petunija and her band.
21:00 – End of event.
The celebration is organised by the Central Project Management Agency (CPVA), the Embassy of Switzerland in Lithuania, and the Ministry of Social Security and Labour. A total of EUR 10.36 million has been allocated for the implementation of the Civic Engagement programme, with Lithuania contributing an additional 15% in national co-financing. CPVA has been appointed as the programme operator and will be responsible for the proper implementation of the framework and reporting to the donor.
