Over the course of six weeks, participants completed professional internships in life sciences, cybersecurity, finance, information technology, communications, healthcare, renewable energy, manufacturing, and other fields. Outside of work, they took part in educational activities, met with representatives of the Lithuanian government and leading companies, and traveled across Lithuania.

Since 2018, Bring Together Lithuania, an initiative of the Kazickas Family Foundation, has provided young members of the Lithuanian diaspora with opportunities to gain professional experience, strengthen their connection to their heritage, and discover today’s Lithuania. Selected from more than 100 applicants, this year’s participants stood out for their academic achievements, leadership, and active involvement in Lithuanian communities around the world.

According to Neila Baumilienė, Executive Director of the KFF in the US, it has always been important to the Kazickas family that young people growing up outside Lithuania not only preserve their Lithuanian identity but also build a meaningful connection with the country as it is today.

“That is why it is especially rewarding to see Bring Together Lithuania bringing together talented young Lithuanians from around the world and helping them discover Lithuania not only through their heritage, but also through personal experiences, professional opportunities, and new relationships,” said N. Baumilienė.

During the program, participants met with Lithuania’s First Lady, Diana Nausėdienė, and visited the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, where they spoke with former Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė, Member of Parliament Laurynas Kasčiūnas, and former Lithuanian Ambassador to the United States Žygimantas Pavilionis. They also visited the Ministries of National Defence, the Economy and Innovation, and Foreign Affairs, engaging in discussions on Lithuania’s security, economy, and foreign policy.

To explore Lithuania’s business and innovation ecosystem, participants visited companies within the Tesonet group, Light Conversion, and other leading businesses, and met with Vilnius Mayor Valdas Benkunskas.

“The program was launched with a clear vision: to help young members of the Lithuanian diaspora discover contemporary Lithuania through professional growth, meaningful connections, and real career opportunities. Today, we see that the program has become an important milestone in the careers of many participants, while Lithuania has become a place where they build professional networks, establish international partnerships, and often return to work, collaborate, or invest,” said Kamilė Perminė, Director of Bring Together Lithuania.

Over the past nine years, Bring Together Lithuania has become one of the leading professional development programs for young members of the Lithuanian diaspora, helping strengthen their connection to Lithuania while opening doors to meaningful career opportunities.

The program is also supported by the Lithuanian Foundation, the Ministry of the Economy and Innovation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and entrepreneur and innovator Vladas Lašas.

Photo credits: Giedrius Matulaitis (Kaip Gerai) and the Bring Together Lithuania team. Photo with the First Lady – Photo credit: Robertas Dačkus.