TV tower in Nizhny Novgorod to display welcoming messages in several languages
Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, is gearing up to host the third edition of the International Forum "Twin Cities and Partners" on August 14, 2025. Organised by the Nizhny Novgorod branch of RTRS, this multi-day event aims to foster inter-regional cooperation, cultural exchange, and partnership development between small and medium-sized towns, particularly within Russia and neighbouring countries.
The forum serves as a platform to adopt cooperative agreements, development roadmaps, and promote youth and cultural collaboration among participating regions. This year, regions from Russia and Belarus, including Grodno Oblast (Belarus) and Nizhny Novgorod Oblast (Russia), are confirmed participants. Although the full list of countries for the "Twin Cities and Partners" forum specifically in 2025 is not yet available, Belarus and Russia form core participants given the ongoing cooperation highlighted.
Other international participation appears in separate Nizhny Novgorod events but not specifically in the "Twin Cities and Partners" forum. For instance, there will be forums focusing on digital cooperation involving African nations such as Senegal, Tanzania, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.
As part of the festivities, the city's television tower will be adorned with ornaments inspired by traditional Nizhny Novgorod folk arts and crafts. The media facade of Nizhny Novgorod's tallest structure will display a welcome message in the languages of participating countries. The Russian tricolor will be periodically displayed on the tower during the International Forum, and a festive video greeting on the tower is expected to add vibrant impressions of the city.
The International Forum welcomes annual participation from foreign and Russian municipal representatives, business circles, tour operators, and university leaders. Official delegations from Abkhazia, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina (Republic of Srpska), Iran, Kyrgyzstan, China, Transnistria, Russia, and Serbia have confirmed their attendance.
Vyacheslav Ulyashchenko, director of the Nizhny Novgorod branch of RTRS, expressed hope that the illumination of the television tower will create a memorable experience for all attendees. The tower's lighting will be thematic during the International Forum, and the illumination will be visible from August 14 to 17, from 21:00 to 22:00. The Nizhny Novgorod Regional Television and Radio Broadcasting Center is collaborating with the Department of Tourism Development and External Relations to ensure a successful and engaging event.
Visitors at the International Forum can expect to engage in discussions about inter-regional cooperation, particularly in areas such as home-and-garden and outdoor-living, as these sectors are likely to be showcased by participating municipalities. Furthermore, the adoption of cooperative agreements and development roadmaps extends beyond just the "Twin Cities and Partners" forum, with separate forums focusing on digital cooperation involving countries like Senegal, Tanzania, and others.
