The “Create Ukraine” pilot programme, modelled after Lithuania’s successful “Create Lithuania” initiative, is well underway. On October 30-31, programme participants are visiting Lithuanian institutions to gain insights into attracting young professionals to Ukraine’s public sector. This visit also provides a platform for the Ukrainian delegation to discuss future opportunities for cooperation between Lithuania and Ukraine.
Just weeks ago, 10 participants selected from 73 applicants began their roles in Ukraine’s Ministry of Economy. Over the next year, they will work with deputy ministers on projects focusing on investment, European integration, the development of a humanitarian demining market, women’s economic empowerment, deregulation and other essential areas.
“At this time, it is crucial for Ukraine to have a strong public sector capable of meeting the extraordinary challenges posed by the war. As a candidate country for EU membership, Ukraine must also carry out necessary reforms. We are proud that this initiative will help strengthen Ukraine’s public sector and support meaningful change” said Lidija Kašubienė, Director of the Central Project Management Agency (CPVA), which initiated the programme.
According to Svitlana Denysenko, Director of the Kyiv School of Economics Foundation, the partnership between Lithuania and Ukraine is built on shared values, especially the view of people as the highest priority.
“Together, we are laying the foundation for Ukraine’s sustainable economic development by investing in human capital, a shared priority for both of our countries. The Kyiv School of Economics family is proud to implement joint initiatives like Create Ukraine, aimed at driving strategic shifts by empowering ambitious youth” said S. Denysenko.
“Create for Ukraine” follows the proven model of Lithuania’s “Create Lithuania” programme, launched in 2012 to foster economic transformation and public sector development. Nearly 300 professionals have participated in “Create Lithuania,” with around 80% staying in Lithuania afterward. Last year, five Ukrainians joined the “Create Lithuania” programme, strengthening Lithuania-Ukraine collaboration; two of them continued working with CPVA after the programme.
During the visit, the Ukrainian delegation visited CPVA, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Invest Lithuania agency, and also met with Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė and the Ukrainian community at Ukreate Hub.
“This visit gave a much better understanding of the Create Lithuania project and its place in the bigger ecosystem. It showed us what reputation the Create Lithuania program has managed to establish in these years. I can also see a great level of trust in our pilot project and our mission. It was extremely valuable to have a chance to discuss our questions and get some insights“ said Yuliia Mishchuk, one of the programme‘s participants.
The pilot project Create Ukraine is co-funded by the European Union and the Government of Lithuania within the framework of the EU4Youth programme, aimed at supporting young people. The project is managed by the Lithuanian organisation Central Project Management Agency and implemented by the KSE Foundation at the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine.
