We are a nation composed of Lithuanians from all around the world who will forever be united by our national identity and historical memory.
The Lithuanian diaspora is an integral part of the nation and is renowned for its creative talents that are highly valued in the contemporary civil, political, economic, cultural, and scientific sectors.
Lithuania has a large diaspora based on several waves of emigration. Some estimate that approximately 1.3 million people of Lithuanian origin live outside of the country’s borders. This number constitutes about a third of the entire Lithuanian nation! Based on our knowledge of the history of the diaspora and the various waves of emigration as well as the size of Lithuanian communities in Australia, Canada, South America, and the United States, it can be assumed that there are even more people of Lithuanian origin in the world.
Historically, emigration from Lithuania took place for different reasons – some economic, others political or those who were seeking refuge on foreign shores. Even though the lives of immigrants settling into new countries far from their homeland are often difficult, the Lithuanian diaspora has continued to maintain close ties to Lithuania. Through the various periods of emigration, they have supported Lithuania financially and politically. In more recent history, members of the diaspora joined the fight to re-establish Lithuania’s independence and have exhibited unwavering support for its entry into NATO and other international organizations.
The support of the diaspora for Lithuania’s sovereignty and its democratic value system continues to be crucially important to this very day. We continually see new examples of the contribution of Lithuanians scattered throughout the world in helping to attain a better quality of life for Lithuania’s people.
After graduating from some of the world's best universities, many Lithuanians return to their native land to create start-ups, contribute their ideas to improving the efficiency of government institutions as well as their expertise to help the country continue to grow; others remain living abroad and join professional networks to share their experience and knowledge as well as provide consultations to Lithuanian companies. Lithuania warmly welcomes those returning to their birthplace as well as those persons who were born far away from its shores.
The government of Lithuania strongly values the potential of the diaspora and wishes to encourage its members to strengthen our country together and to further promote its name worldwide.
The idea of a Global Lithuania was first brought up in 2011. A program drafted for 2012-2021 was approved by the government and Global Lithuania began its mission to involve more Lithuanians living abroad in strengthening their ties to the country. The program that was implemented over the next 10 years played a crucial role in strengthening the connection between Lithuania and the diaspora. Under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a diaspora policy was created that charged an inter-institutional network of government agencies and NGOs with implementing the Global Lithuania program. This expansive network included diplomatic missions and consular offices of Lithuania that had close ties to diaspora communities. More than 20 government and private sector institutions participated in the implementation of the Global Lithuania program along with diaspora organizations.
In 2021, the program was successfully completed and continued for an additional ten years. Strategic guidelines for Lithuania for 2022‒2030 were approved. In 2022, the first three-year action plan for the implementation of these guidelines was prepared; it is updated annually and extended for one year at a time.
Currently, 36 government institutions and 60 municipalities participate in the implementation of the diaspora policy. This has become the foundation for further expanding a connection with the diaspora, encouraging the more active involvement of the diaspora in creating prosperity and security in Lithuania, and of course, returning to the homeland.