For BrainGain Latvia, 2026 has begun with new leadership and a series of initiatives aimed at both the broader society and the organization’s internal development. At the first board meeting of the year, Ģirts Smelters was elected Chairman. While active in the technology business sector in his daily life, he has participated in the life of BrainGain Latvia almost since its very inception—dating back to 2017, when the association was just taking shape.

Over the years, his involvement has been practical and diverse: from organizing community events and creating informal activities to initiating international collaborations and developing project ideas for fundraising.

Global Experience in Two Stages

Ģirts’ global experience was formed in two significant stages. The first followed his university graduation when he set off on a trip around the world with a childhood friend. This adventure grew into the “100 Latvian Stories” initiative—in every country they visited, the pair met with local Latvians, interviewed them, and documented their life experiences. This resulted in over one hundred personal stories reflecting the diaspora in all its diversity—from recent career-driven emigrants to generations of World War II refugees in the USA.

The second stage followed shortly after—studies at the University of Copenhagen and life in Denmark until the end of 2017. Upon returning to Riga, he joined the newly founded BrainGain Latvia, and as he admits, the feeling was inspiring:

“It strengthened my feeling about the future in Latvia—that the right people are here with bright minds and high energy, and that things are moving in the right direction.”

Transformation and Ambition

Taking on the duties of Chairman of the Board, Ģirts Smelters looks at the association’s development pragmatically. The number of members has grown significantly, as has the intensity of projects and activities. Therefore, the immediate focus will be on operational changes—clearer processes, knowledge accumulation, project management, and transparent membership management. The goal is to reduce the administrative burden so that, in the long term, more resources can be dedicated to community building and socially significant initiatives.

“This will be a year of transformation and ambition for BrainGain Latvia. We are in a strong starting position. Project Coordinator Anna Lūse has proven herself to be an excellent addition to the team, so we have decided to give her the opportunity to take on the role of Head of the Association alongside her project work. We have also secured funding from SIF and LAPAS to implement various social initiatives—we will organize both story nights and thematic workshops. Additionally, we have submitted two more project applications: one for strengthening diaspora cooperation in the context of defense, and another for engaging local youth with the remigrant community—with a clear call to action: go get global experience, but do it with the goal of returning rooted from the start,” comments Ģirts.

There are also plans to streamline the association’s governance, which is currently largely provided by board members on a voluntary basis. Ģirts outlines a specific direction:

“We are working on a proposal for amendments to the statutes—the idea is to set a board member term of at least two years and to hold the General Meeting once a year, instead of twice as it is now. This will allow the team to work more cohesively and set long-term ambitions.”

A Strengthened Team: Anna Lūse

Anna Lūse’s appointment as Head of the Association is no accident. She possesses the ability to finish what she starts, a high work ethic, and optimistic energy. Her previous experience in the NGO sector, working on social entrepreneurship development, has provided strong practical skills. In addition to project management, Anna’s tasks will include organizing the association’s daily work, strengthening the community, and seeking new growth opportunities.

“I have genuine joy for what has already been done, what is planned, and what is possible in the future—getting even more actively involved in community development and collaborating with people who inspire,” notes Anna.

BrainGain Latvia Deputy Chairman: Kaspars Zemītis

The leadership team has also been bolstered in a new capacity by Kaspars Zemītis, who has taken on the duties of Deputy Chairman. With his technical competencies and experience, he will help develop and modernize the association’s internal processes, as well as serve as a liaison point between the board and the association’s working groups.

“Many people have had to start everything from scratch in life,” says Kaspars. “That is why I am glad to be part of an organization whose activities promote not only the integration of remigrants and returning diaspora but also Latvia’s growth as a whole—attracting and retaining international talent, informing youth about global experience, and other essential processes.”

Future Focus

The core role of BrainGain Latvia remains unchanged—strengthening the link between remigrants and the rest of society, including public administration. People returning to Latvia remains, especially now, a national goal and challenge. The association will continue to work to maintain its leadership position among remigrant organizations and develop a strong community of professionals.

Since last year, targeted work has also begun on other challenges regarding Latvia’s human capital. For future resilience, this is critically important if we believe the adage that “the fate of nations is determined by their demographics.” These issues and international cooperation are directions that BrainGain Latvia plans to develop even further.

“Being doers, not whiners, remains our guiding light. Generational change must happen within the association, and only by our own example can we pass this torch to future board teams,” concludes Ģirts.