Nizhny Novgorod region strengthens support for compatriots abroad

      May 1, 2026 10:23 Society The deputies of the regional parliament unanimously adopted in two readings the law "On Certain Issues of Supporting Compatriots Abroad by the Authorities of the Nizhny Novgorod Region" at a meeting on April 30. The document establishes the legal and organizational basis for developing ties between the Nizhny Novgorod region and the Russian-speaking diaspora around the world. The initiator of the bill was the regional ministry of international and interregional relations. The law defines key areas of support for compatriots, including assistance in education, culture, and the preservation of the Russian language. The document also delineates the powers of the regional authorities and provides for the participation of municipalities in implementing policies regarding compatriots. As noted by the Minister of International and Interregional Relations of the Nizhny Novgorod Region, Olga Guseva, the adoption of the law will allow for more effective interaction with compatriots around the world, supporting them and contributing to the preservation of cultural and linguistic identity. According to her, this is about creating a systematic support mechanism that will help strengthen ties with the historical homeland while simultaneously promoting Russian culture and language abroad.

      "They become a kind of ambassadors of Russian culture, our people's diplomats, who strengthen Russia's position on the international stage," emphasized the minister, adding that the region's task is to facilitate this work.

      The department reported that such activities are already underway. In particular, together with Rossotrudnichestvo and Nizhny Novgorod universities, the region has held advanced training courses for teachers of Russian as a foreign language twice. A total of 57 educators from 11 countries participated. Compatriots are also actively involved in regional projects. For example, in 2023, schoolchildren from Egypt, producing the Russian-language film magazine "Mandarin," became winners of the best practices in people's diplomacy competition. In 2025, participants from Turkey and Moldova won the drawing competition "Nizhny in Colors," which brought together more than 200 people from 12 countries. Over the past eight years, 785 events in the fields of culture, tourism, education, sports, and youth policy have been held in the region. They reached compatriots in 98 countries, including Algeria, Belarus, Brazil, China, and Malaysia. In addition, events involving the region took place in 14 countries, including Abkhazia, Armenia, India, Kazakhstan, Serbia, and Uzbekistan. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on the main events, exclusive materials, and operational information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod." When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+