On 2–3 June, the annual visit of the Swiss Confederation delegation under the Lithuanian–Swiss Cooperation Programme 2024–2029 took place in Lithuania. During the visit, programme-funded projects were visited, and discussions were held on their progress, impact, and future development opportunities.
On the first day of the visit, the delegation travelled to Kaunas, where the project “Improvement of Obstetrics and Children Health Care Services and Implementation of Holistic Child Development Services” was presented as part of the Maternal and Child Health and Wellbeing Programme. The project is being implemented by the Hospital of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kaunas Clinics. It aims to strengthen healthcare services for pregnant women, new mothers, newborns, infants, children, and children with special needs by promoting closer cooperation between health, education, and social services and ensuring easily accessible, coordinated support within the community.
The delegation also visited another project in Kaunas under the Civic Engagement Programme, “Quality Improvement for Volunteer Coordination”, implemented by the Blessed Jurgis Matulaitis Social Centre in partnership with non-profit organisations Actio Catholica Patria and Sava Visiems. The project seeks to strengthen the volunteer coordination system, ensure the implementation of quality standards, improve volunteer engagement, and enhance cooperation between organisations, thereby increasing civic participation and activity within society.
During these visits, members of the Swiss delegation had the opportunity not only to learn about the projects through presentations and site visits, but also to engage directly with project implementers, partners, and specialists. Open discussions focused on project progress, implementation experiences, and emerging challenges, while delegation members’ questions were addressed in detail. According to the Swiss representatives, such direct engagement with project activities provides a deeper understanding of their practical value and societal impact—not only through indicators and reports, but also by witnessing how investments are translated into tangible improvements in people’s quality of life.
On the second day of the visit, the delegation met at the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Lithuania, where the annual meeting of the Swiss Confederation and the Republic of Lithuania Cooperation Programme took place. Discussions focused on activities planned for 2025, progress in programme implementation, strategic priorities, and opportunities for further cooperation.
An important part of the visit was a meeting at the Central Project Management Agency (CPMA), which is responsible for programme administration and implementation oversight. The guests were welcomed by Director Indrė Šuolienė, and discussions covered future opportunities for Swiss support as well as the establishment of the new branch, the Lithuanian International Partnerships Centre. The visit also marked the first official visit to the agency by the newly appointed Swiss Ambassador to Lithuania, Anja Zobrist Rentenaar, and Benedict Hürzeler, the future Head of the Swiss Contribution Office in Riga.
“Such visits not only provide an opportunity to discuss programme progress and challenges face-to-face but also strengthen mutual understanding and help maintain a clear focus on the real impact being created for people,” said Sandra Remeikienė, Deputy Director of CPVA.
This visit by the Swiss delegation once again confirms both countries’ commitment to strengthening their partnership, sharing good practice, and continuing to implement projects that create long-term value for Lithuanian society.
