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At the municipalities seminar held in Vilnius on April 16, organized by the Association of Local Authorities of Lithuania, representatives from municipalities responsible for strengthening ties with the diaspora and encouraging return to the municipalities took part.
During the event, special attention was given to the diaspora’s engagement in Lithuanian life and the topic of returning to Lithuania. Presentations and discussions covered how municipalities could strengthen connections with compatriots living abroad, which communication tools are most effective, and shared good practices of municipalities inviting natives to return to their home municipalities.
“The involvement of municipalities in activities encouraging return, maintaining ties with departed compatriots, and assisting those returning ensures sustainable implementation of diaspora policy and helps create a favorable environment for returnees,” emphasized Gitana Skripkaitė, Deputy Director of the Global Lithuania Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, presenting the role of municipalities in implementing the priority directions of Lithuania’s diaspora policy.
Tadas Kubilius, Head of the Return to Lithuania Division, presented current issues regarding return to Lithuania, common challenges, and the activities of the MFA consultation center “Grįžtu LT.” According to him, data from the Lithuanian diaspora surveys show growing interest in returning, and the role of municipalities in this area is particularly significant.
Encouraging return to Lithuania is one of the key strategic directions of Lithuania’s diaspora policy. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs coordinates the actions of state institutions and municipalities aimed at promoting return to Lithuania and creating favorable conditions for reintegration.