The Governments of Lithuania and Ukraine have launched the third phase of Create Ukraine, a programme that brings back professionals with international experience and engages them in public service. The new application cycle was announced during the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) 2026 in Gdańsk, Poland.
The programme is modelled on the successful Lithuanian initiative Create Lithuania, which for the past 14 years has helped attract experienced professionals back to the public sector. Create Ukraine is implemented by the Lithuanian International Partnerships Center (CPVA) together with the KSE Foundation.
This is already the third phase of the programme, with each cohort expanding its scale and impact. In 2026, Create Ukraine broadened its eligibility criteria — from focusing primarily on professionals to welcoming Ukrainian professionals abroad of all ages. The new cohort will consist of 26 participants, who will join teams across ministries and government offices. They will implement reforms, work on European integration, and contribute to other strategic priorities. As in previous years, the programme includes a learning component: each participant will complete a certified Government Relations course offered by the Kyiv School of Economics (KSE).
Yuliia Svyrydenko, Prime Minister of Ukraine: “Ukraine’s recovery is first and foremost about people. Together with our partners, the Government is creating opportunities where international experience becomes a competitive advantage for the state. Create Ukraine is a tool for bringing a new generation of professionals into public service. The programme enables Ukrainians who have gained education and experience abroad to join government teams and contribute to the country’s transformation precisely when it is needed most.”
Create Ukraine was launched in 2024 as a pilot initiative. In just two years, the programme has already brought 34 professionals back to Ukraine and expanded from one ministry to nine government institutions.
Kestutis Budrys, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania: “Ukraine’s recovery will be built by people — by talented Ukrainians who bring knowledge, experience and the courage to serve their country. Create Ukraine programme is our joint invitation to them: come back, lead reforms, and help build Ukraine’s European future. For Lithuania, supporting Ukraine means supporting institutions, reforms and people. Create Ukraine brings all three together: it strengthens the state, accelerates reform and opens a path for Ukrainians abroad to contribute directly to their country”.
Tetyana Berezhna, Deputy Prime Minister for Humanitarian Policy of Ukraine and Minister of Culture: “Human capital is Ukraine’s greatest asset. We want Ukrainians who have gained education and professional experience abroad to be able to apply their knowledge at home by contributing to the country’s development. The Create Ukraine programme brings together international expertise and Ukraine’s needs. We invite professionals with international experience to join the civil service and contribute to reforms, recovery, and European integration.”
Participants from the first two cohorts have already delivered more than 30 projects of national significance, ranging from economic reforms and European integration to investment negotiations and recovery initiatives. They contributed to over 100 investment initiatives with a potential value exceeding USD 15 billion, launched the Green Platform featuring more than 100 funding programmes for businesses and communities, and implemented initiatives that supported more than 290,000 entrepreneurs and helped create over 330,000 jobs.
Arturas Zarnovskis, Ukraine Recovery and Peace Programmes Coordinator, Lithuanian International Partnerships Center (CPVA): “We are proud that Lithuania’s experience is helping Ukraine at such a pivotal moment. Together with our Ukrainian partners, we have developed and implemented two successful waves of Create Ukraine, bringing internationally experienced Ukrainians back into public service. These professionals return home equipped with the knowledge, skills and global perspectives to become a new generation of leaders and changemakers. We hope Create Ukraine becomes for Ukraine what Create Lithuania has become for us: a driving force for renewal, stronger Ukraine, and country’s European future.”
Svitlana Denysenko, Director of KSE Foundation: “Together with our Lithuanian partners, KSE Foundation has built a practical bridge between the international experience of Ukrainians and the needs of government institutions. Create Ukraine has proven its effectiveness: participants’ knowledge and skills are translated into measurable impact on Ukraine’s economy, institutions, and international standing. Today, 24 participants from the second cohort have strengthened teams across ministries and government offices, working on preserving cultural heritage, supporting Ukrainian cultural products, developing multilingual education for national minorities, aligning legislation with EU standards, and attracting investment. Demand from government institutions continues to grow, which is why we are launching the third phase of the programme”.
Applications are open to Ukrainian citizens who have lived abroad for at least two years.
Who can apply?
- Ukrainian citizens aged 22 and above
- Professionals with international work experience and/or a completed degree from a foreign university
- Motivated professionals ready to relocate to Ukraine and contribute to reforms, European integration, and recovery
Applications are open until 14 August 2026 (inclusive): here.
About Create Ukraine
The Create Ukraine programme is funded by Lithuania through the Lithuanian Fund for the Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid and is aimed at supporting the return and successful integration of Ukrainian professionals currently living abroad into Ukraine’s public sector.
The programme is implemented by the Lithuanian International Partnerships Center (CPVA) together with the KSE Foundation, with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania and in close cooperation with the Government of Ukraine.
