Today, Minister of Finance Gintarė Skaistė and Ambassador of Switzerland to Lithuania Martin Michelet signed a cooperation framework agreement for more than EUR 10 million for the implementation of the “Civic Engagement” framework. It focuses on strengthening public engagement in the decision-making process and improving the quality of volunteering.
During the signature of the agreement at the MO Museum, Minister of Finance G. Skaistė stressed that the goals of this framework are extremely relevant in today’s geopolitical situation: “Strengthening of civic participation and social involvement contributes to building resilient, inclusive and democratic society. The cooperation between Switzerland and Lithuania provides new opportunities to increase security of our society by encouraging people to huddle together and, in parallel, to strengthen the cooperation with public authorities and non-governmental organisations”.
According to the Minister, social activity in Lithuania is not yet sufficiently developed – only 16% of residents participate in community activities and volunteering.
We see a great potential that our citizens have demonstrated in the context of the war erupted by russia in the Ukraine – over 150,000 volunteers contributed to aid initiatives for the Ukrainians. Therefore, we believe that the measures of this framework will help to strengthen and widen the citizens’ engagement, which is also much needed in other areas that are important to us, and to reach the target of at least 22% participation of the Lithuanian residents in volunteering by 2030”, said the Minister.
“Volunteering plays an important role in the Swiss society. Being a member of at least one civil society organisation is like a part of our DNA, as more than a third of our residents is engaged in voluntary activities. Looking ahead, I am particularly pleased with the envisaged partnership with the Swiss ZEWO Foundation. The ZEWO standard is well known among the Swiss and ensures that the civic organisation is managed transparently and responsibly,” said Ambassador of Switzerland to Lithuania Martin Michelet when signing the cooperation framework agreement.
The “Civic Engagement” framework will be implemented through two main strands. The first will seek to strengthen the role of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in decision-making, to improve their transparency and accountability, with a particular focus on the involvement of young people and migrants. The second strand focuses on improving the quality of volunteering by developing new standards for volunteer management and training those working with volunteers.
CHF 9.75 million (EUR 10.36 million) is allocated for the implementation of the framework, where Lithuania will contribute an additional 15 % of co-financing. The Central Project Management Agency (CPVA) has been appointed as the programme operator and will be responsible for the proper implementation of the framework and reporting to donors.
