“Global Lithuania”: From challenge to opportunity

1. “Global Lithuania”:From challenge to opportunity Ms. Gintė Damušis Ambassador at Large, Department of Lithuanians Living Abroad Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania Conference co-organized by the Latvian MFA and OECD December 17, 2012

2. Lithuanians in the world. Threat, challenge or opportunity? • Estimated size of the Lithuanian diaspora worldwide is 1,3 million people • Around 300,000 are Lithuanian citizens • In public discourse, emigration has been often depicted as a threat • The shift in approach: Emigration is a challenge • Outstanding question: How can this challenge be transformed into an opportunity?

3. MFA and cooperation with the Lithuanian diaspora • In 2010, MFA was assigned a new mission: coordination and implementation (along with other public institutions) of Lithuanian diaspora policy and programmes • Objective: Strengthening the relationship between Lithuania and its diaspora, engagement of diaspora in the life of Lithuania • 13 Government agencies have been mandated to implement the Global Lithuania programme under an Interagency action plan.

4. Developing a more strategic relationship with the Lithuanian diaspora (1) • In 2011, Lithuanian Government approved the “Global Lithuania”programmefor 2011-2019, which aimsto develop a stronger strategic relationship with the Lithuanian diaspora. • The idea of Global Lithuania is based on the understanding that: • Lithuania and the diasporaareunited by a common identity, historical memory, personal and professional ties; • Regardless of place of residence,the diaspora can: • Foster and promote Lithuanian identity, • Maintainpolitical, economic, civic and cultural ties with Lithuania, • Engage in public diplomacy, promote trade and investment, strengthen democracy and civil society. • Change in approach (→inclusion, participation, partnership): Building networks between Lithuania and thediasporato maximize impact and to work on issues of common interest. • The„Global Lithuania“ programmeis implemented through aninter-agencyaction plan, which isupdatedannually.

5. Developing a more strategic relationship with the Lithuanian diaspora (2) • Theinter-agency plan is implemented by 13 institutions(6 ministries, 7 subordinate and other institutions). Whileprogrammeactivitiesandgoalsare plannedconcurrently, eachagencyallocatesfundingforprogrammeimplementationfromexistingbudgetaryresources. • Asthecoordinating body, the MFA engagesotheragenciesand organizations to encourageandlaunchinitiatives, whichstrengthenState-diaspora ties. • “Global Lithuania” anditsactionplan aimstofacilitatefive main goalsamongtheLithuania diaspora: 1. EncouragethemaintenanceofLithuanian identity, 2. PromoteengagementinthelifeofLithuania, 3. Supportpublicdiplomacyefforts, 4.Transform „brain drain“ into„braincirculation“, 5. Strengthencommunicationthroughinnovative technologies.

6. TASK 1: encouraging Lithuanian diaspora to maintain its Lithuanian identity and historical memory Measures: (1) Promotion of “Global Lithuania” idea • GLL Awards 2012 (2) Support ofactivities launchedby organizations (among them youth organizations), which promote Lithuanian identity, sense of community and cooperation. Providefinancial supportforprojects: • Y2012 – 97 projects initiatedand implemented by Lithuanian diaspora organizations worldwide • Events and activities developed by Lithuanian diplomatic missions together with Lithuanian diaspora organizations (3) Supportfor Lithuanian educational activities organized by formal and non-formal educational institutions operating abroad. (4) Placementofteachers and cultural workers, wherenecessary. (5) Professional development seminars and courses for teachers of Lithuanian schools and cultural workers. (6) Dailynewsupdatesto Lithuanian media agents operating in foreign countries. (7) Creationandprovision of a widely accessible learning module (text, visual andaudiomaterials) forLithuanianschools via modern information technologies. (8) HumanrightsmonitoringofthesituationofLithuanian national minority in foreign countries.

7. TASK 2: motivating Lithuanian diaspora to get involved in Lithuania’s political, economic, scientific, social and cultural life Measures: (1) Creationofane-voting system (dependent on Seimasdecisions) (2) Tackling issues (relevant for Lithuanian citizens residing abroad), suchasthe establishment of electoral constituencies and initiating appropriate legislative acts(dependent on Seimas decisions) (3) Disseminating information about the investment climate in Lithuania,the use of EU Structural Funds and possibilities for Lithuanians living abroad to participate in the implementation of projects aimed at promoting innovation, investment and trade (4) Developing activities of World Lithuanian Economic Forum (5) Identification, preservation and recovery of Lithuanian cultural heritage worldwide (6) Identification of Lithuanian archives abroad, integration into a common information system, coordination of their administration and use (7) Encouraging Lithuanians living abroad to study in Lithuania (8) Strengthening the ties between Lithuanian scientists and artists (working in Lithuania and abroad) and organizing common events • Artists’ workshop “Migrating Birds”, World Lithuanian Symposium on Science and Art, Music festival “Returns” (9) Supportforsport activities • World Lithuaniansportgames

8. TASK 3: transforming the phenomenon of ,,brain drain” into the process of ,,brain circulation” Measures: (1) Compilationofstatisticsand data onthe number of Lithuanians living abroad basedonnationalcensuses (2) Researchactivitiesand studies on the situation of Lithuanians living abroad (3) Improvementofoutreachactivities, including the provisionof information to Lithuanians living abroad (4) InclusionofJuly 17th(World Lithuanian UnityDay) in the list of commemorative days. Support for joint initiatives and projects (in collaboration with municipalities) • 2012 World Lithuanian Youth Meeting (5) Creationofa system of reintegration services (psychological consultations and other services associatedwiththe reintegration process) • Bulletin “Life and work in Lithuania” (5) Supportfor Lithuanian youth studying abroad to participateininternshipandmentoringprograms • „LT Big Brother”Professional Mentorship Program • Internships (LISS – forstudentsfromtheUSA and Canada; JKLJS internship – students from UK)

9. TASK 4:using innovative technologies with the aim of creatinga new system of communication Measures: • Creating a network of professionals • Memorandum of understanding with GLL (Global Lithuanian Leaders) • Tripartite agreement (GLL + Enterprise Lithuania + MFA) • Maintaining and developing, in accordance with possibilities, the broadcasting network of TV channel “LTV World” with the aim of providing access for more Lithuanians living in Europe and Northern America to Lithuanian programs • Initiating and preparing special TV and radio programs about Lithuania and about Lithuanians living abroad, their organizations and activities as well as creating broadcasting possibilities in Lithuania and in foreign countries • Conducting a survey on the needs of Lithuanians living abroad

10. TASK 5 : encouraging Lithuanian diaspora to represent and to promote Lithuania Measures: • Involving Lithuanians living abroad and “Friends of Lithuania” in Lithuanian public diplomacy worldwide, providing them with information about Lithuania, its interests and opportunities. • Common activities promoted by Lithuanian diplomatic missions, cultural attachés, Lithuanians living abroad • Preparing and disseminating information about Lithuanian culture in foreign languages • Disseminating information about Lithuania’s diaspora activities in the Homeland • Lithuanian National Radio and Television involved in 2012 World Lithuanian Youth Meeting

11. The Purpose of Lithuanian Studies and State Funding Lithuanians abroad place high priority on Lithuanian studies, a primary tool for preserving national identity. The purpose of Lithuanian studies is to: • promote Lithuanian language-learning and preservation; • uphold national identity; • familiarize students with the history, culture and heritage of the State of Lithuania; • encourage self-expression in the Lithuanian language. State funding, which is covered by the Law on Education,targets: • schools abroad in which the Lithuanian language is taught or instruction received in the Lithuanian language; • persons who work as teachers and lecturers in institutions promoting Lithuanian studies; • Centers of Lithuanian studies abroad.

12. Non-formal Education (1) The programme of „Global Lithuania“ is a significant instrument for: • consolidatingStatepolicyon promoting Lithuanianidentity and languagestudies by combiningeffortsand resources ofcompetentauthorities; • strengthening ties across Lithuania and abroad,engaging more stakeholders with Lithuanian rootsin various spheres of public lifeinLithuania. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs coordinates the“GlobalLithuania“ program, whichis financed fromthe MFAbudget through 2012. From 2013, the MFA will hand over coordination of non-formal education programs to the Ministry of Education and Science, which will assume full responsibility for both formal and non-formal education of Lithuanians abroad. As of this moment, there are: • 164 non-formal education institutionsin 30 countries; • about 6300 schoolchildren.

13. LITHUANIAN STUDIES Non-formal Education Institutions (36) Formal Education Institutions (12) Belarus Georgia Latvia Poland Moldova Russia Ukraine Belarus (2) Latvia (1) Poland (7) Russia (1) Germany (1) Non-formal Education (2) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs supports non-formal education by: • financing salaries and other expenses of teachers, who work in Lithuanian non-formal education institutions abroad (7 countries: – 34 teachers of Lithuanian language and ethnic culture); • organising seminars for teachers of Lithuanian schools abroad (annual participation ~ 50 teachers); • providing referencematerials, national symbols, Lithuanian periodical literature; • financing projects of foreign Lithuanian organizations, educational summer camps and creativecompetitions(drawing and essay contests – „1410 – The battle of Žalgiris“, „My Lithuania“ and etc.).

14. Questions? Thank you for your attention today!