The 2025 Domovina Birthright Program, co-organized by the Association of Croatian American Professionals (ACAP) and the Central State Office for Croats Abroad, officially concluded on June 13 after an unforgettable two-week journey across Croatia. Now in its fourth year, this signature initiative welcomed over 30 young adults of Croatian descent (ages 18 to 30) from the United States, Canada, South America, Australia, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Europe.
Held from June 1-13, the program immersed participants in Croatia’s history, culture, and contemporary life. The itinerary took the group from Dubrovnik to Zagreb, with stops in cities such as Split, Sinj, Šibenik, Zadar, Knin, Gospić, Osijek, Varaždin, and Vukovar. Participants visited historic landmarks, natural parks, cultural institutions, and met with civic leaders, all while forming lasting bonds with each other and deepening their connection to their Croatian identity.
“Although I come to Dubrovnik every summer, I’ve never seen Croatia like this,” said participant Flora Lennihan. “It’s an amazing journey with people who share a common bond.”
Welcomed by Croatia’s Top Leaders
One of the most powerful moments of the program was the group’s visit to Zagreb, where they were welcomed by Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman at Banski dvori. Both leaders emphasized the strength of the Croatian diaspora and the importance of maintaining cultural ties across generations and borders. Prime Minister Plenković praised the program’s impact and encouraged participants to consider building their future in Croatia. Minister Grlić-Radman reaffirmed that Croatians abroad remain an inseparable part of the nation, no matter where they live.The group also visited the Croatian Parliament, where they were greeted by Zdravka Bušić, President of the Committee for Croats Abroad, and committee member Danijela Blažanović. Bušić celebrated the enduring love for Croatia passed down through generations and welcomed participants “to the country of their roots, whose doors are always open to them.” Blažanović highlighted the participants’ role as a “bridge between the past and the future,” connecting the diaspora and homeland.
ACAP’s Leadership and Lasting Commitment
Highlighting Global Leadership and Participation
This year’s cohort included remarkable young leaders from around the world. Among them was Jessica Jugovac from Canberra, Australia, who received a scholarship through the Aus-NZ Croatian Women in Leadership network. Jessica works for the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and serves as National Leader of the Young Women’s Network in Australia. She was joined by fellow scholarship recipient Daniella Cvitan, and together they documented their journey daily through social media, providing an inspiring look at each day’s activities, reflections, and cultural moments.As a fitting conclusion to their journey, Jessica and Daniella were honored with an invitation to the Australian Embassy in Zagreb, where Ambassador Elizabeth Rodgers hosted them for afternoon tea. The event celebrated their reconnection with Croatian heritage and recognized the broader impact of the Domovina Program.
Also in attendance were Sonja Palic, Chairperson and Co-Founder of Aus-NZ Croatian Women in Leadership, Steve Pavletić, ACAP Immediate Past President, Don Markušić, ACAP Zagreb President, Marijana Šarolić Robić, Honorary Consul of New Zealand in Croatia, and Ana Marija Frković, Central State Office for Croats Abroad. The gathering marked an inspiring moment of international collaboration, female leadership, and community-building. Ambassador Rodgers praised the efforts of all involved and underscored the value of initiatives like Domovina in strengthening bilateral ties and nurturing shared identity.
“What a great experience for these talented young Australians to reunite with their Croatian heritage,” the Embassy’s Facebook post read. “This amazing experience would not have been possible without the support of the Aus-NZ Croatian Women in Leadership and the Central Office for Croats Abroad, in partnership with ACAP.”
Learning, Connecting, Belonging
Throughout the program, participants took part in lectures, cultural exchanges, and community-building experiences that revealed the full richness of Croatia, from the resilience of Vukovar to the traditions of Sinj and Varaždin. They explored religious landmarks, sampled regional cuisine, engaged with local peers, and learned about civic institutions.ACAP Zagreb President Don Markušić, who met the group in the capital, summed it up best: “Through Domovina, we’re not just reconnecting young Croatians with their roots, we’re creating a living bridge between continents, generations, and the future of our global community.”
Participants also met with Minister of Demography and Immigration Ivan Šipić, who shared resources available to diaspora youth, including special university admission quotas, scholarships for Croatian language study, and the Choose Croatia (Biram Hrvatsku) initiative, which supports relocation and resettlement. These opportunities reflect Croatia’s commitment to strengthening ties with young members of its global community and inviting them to take part in shaping the country’s future.
A Growing Movement
Since its launch in 2019, the Domovina Birthright Program has become a cornerstone initiative for reconnecting Croatian youth around the world with their ancestral homeland. Each year, it grows in reach, meaning, and impact, thanks to the continued support of donors, volunteers, and partner organizations.In 2025, the program welcomed 39 participants, with 11 receiving scholarships to support their participation, nine through the ACAP Foundation and two sponsored by the Aus-NZ Croatian Women in Leadership network. ACAP is proud to co-lead this initiative and to offer need-based scholarships through the ACAP Foundation, making this life-changing experience accessible to all qualified participants.
Help Us Keep Building Bridges
For more information about how to apply or donate, visit www.croampro.com/domovina.
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See additional articles:
“Participants of the ‘Homeland’ Summer School visit the Croatian Parliament” from HRT – The Voice of Croatia: https://glashrvatske.hrt.hr/en/domestic/participants-of-the-homeland-summer-school-visit-the-croatian-parliament-12202562
“Minister highlights opportunities for Croatian diaspora youth during ‘Domovina’ summer school” – from CroatiaWeek: https://www.croatiaweek.com/minister-highlights-opportunities-for-croatian-diaspora-youth-during-domovina-summer-school
“The 2025 ‘Domovina’ Summer School Program continues” from HRT – The Voice of Croatia: https://glashrvatske.hrt.hr/en/domestic/the-2025-domovina-summer-school-program-continues-12193343
“Šipić: We want to introduce young emigrants to the opportunities that Croatia offers” – The Voice of Croatia: https://glashrvatske.hrt.hr/en/domestic/sipic-we-want-to-introduce-young-emigrants-to-the-opportunities-that-croatia-offers-12195787