Lithuania Strengthens Ties with Diaspora Youth Through Targeted Initiatives

Strategic Insights -

Lithuania is actively engaging with its diaspora youth to strengthen the country's economy, innovation, and global ties. Recently, Minister of Foreign Affairs Kestutis Budrys met with participants of the "Lithuanian Expatriate Student Internships" (LISS), "Join Lithuania 2025," and Nation Foundation internships. The discussion focused on Lithuania's foreign policy priorities, the diaspora's role in the country's life, and the opportunities for Lithuanians living abroad to contribute to building Lithuania's future.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Lithuanian government has implemented targeted initiatives to maintain contact with diaspora youth, including the "Lithuanian Expatriate Student Internships" (LISS), "Join Lithuania 2025," and Nation Foundation internships.
  • A total of 30 students of Lithuanian origin from the USA and Canada are participating in the LISS program, and 35 young people from various countries are participating in the "Join Lithuania 2025" program.
  • The Nation Foundation has provided an opportunity for about 10 diaspora youth representatives from the USA and France to do internships in Lithuania.
  • The return and involvement of the Lithuanian diaspora in the life of the country is an important process that strengthens the economy, brings new ideas, and expands global ties.
  • In 2024, 18,934 Lithuanian citizens returned to Lithuania, and 9,486 left, with more than ten percent of those who returned being young people aged 18-24.
  • The number of those who left Lithuania in 2024 was the lowest since the restoration of Lithuania's independence.
  • The government is recognizing the importance of diaspora youth in shaping Lithuania's future and contributing to the country's economic growth.

Statistics:

  • 30 students of Lithuanian origin from the USA and Canada are participating in the LISS program.
  • 35 young people from various countries are participating in the "Join Lithuania 2025" program.
  • 10 diaspora youth representatives from the USA and France are participating in the Nation Foundation internships.
  • 18,934 Lithuanian citizens returned to Lithuania in 2024.
  • 9,486 Lithuanian citizens left Lithuania in 2024.
  • More than 10% of those who returned to Lithuania in 2024 were young people aged 18-24.

Sources:

  • Kestutis Budrys, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania
  • Lithuanian Expatriate Student Internships (LISS) program
  • Join Lithuania 2025 program
  • Nation Foundation
  • Statistics Lithuania (2024 data on return and emigration of Lithuanian citizens)