"Belt of Peace" in Tver: Folk Crafts Become a Language of Intercultural Dialogue
The exhibition of the International Creative Initiative "Belt of Peace" opened on August 7, 2026 at the central branch of Russian Post in Tver. Residents and guests of the Upper Volga region had the opportunity for the first time to see a unique exposition bringing together 47 original fragments created by artisans and craftspeople from different regions of Russia, as well as from Zambia, India, Turkmenistan and Tunisia.
The exhibition was organised by the World Peoples Assembly, the Academy of Modern Education, and the Federal Postal Service Directorate of the Tver Region.
The "Belt of Peace" was born in 2024 on the Vachsky land of the Nizhny Novgorod Region as a creative initiative to preserve traditional crafts and the cultural codes of local territories. Over two years, the initiative has grown into a large‑scale international public diplomacy project that unites people of different nationalities and countries through creativity, respect for traditions, and love for one's homeland.
The exhibition was opened by Sergey Snegiryov, Minister of Digital Development and Information Technology of the Tver Region; Olga Belyatskaya, Director of the Federal Postal Service Directorate of the Tver Region; and Olga Nefyodova, Deputy Executive Director – Head of the Office of the Chairperson of the General Council of the
"Belt of Peace" in Tver: Folk Crafts Become a Language of Intercultural Dialogue
The exhibition of the International Creative Initiative "Belt of Peace" opened on 7 August 2026 at the central branch of Russian Post in Tver. Residents and guests of the Upper Volga region had the opportunity for the first time to see a unique exposition bringing together 47 original fragments created by artisans and craftspeople from different regions of Russia, as well as from Zambia, India, Turkmenistan and Tunisia.
The exhibition was organised by the Assembly of the Peoples of the World, the Academy of Modern Education, and the Federal Postal Service Directorate of the Tver Region.
The "Belt of Peace" was born in 2024 on the Vachsky land of the Nizhny Novgorod Region as a creative initiative to preserve traditional crafts and the cultural codes of local territories. Over two years, the initiative has grown into a large‑scale international public diplomacy project that unites people of different nationalities and countries through creativity, respect for traditions, and love for one's homeland.
The exhibition was opened by Sergey Snegiryov, Minister of Digital Development and Information Technology of the Tver Region; Olga Belyatskaya, Director of the Federal Postal Service Directorate of the Tver Region; and Olga Nefyodova, Deputy Executive Director – Head of the Office of the Chairman of the General Council of the World Peoples Assembly.
Welcoming the participants and guests, the Minister of Digital Development noted:
- Such projects contribute to the preservation and promotion of traditional folk culture. Of particular importance is cooperation with Russian Post, which makes the project closer and more accessible to people: post offices remain some of the most visited public spaces.
In turn, Olga Belyatskaya emphasized the particular relevance of the "Belt of Peace" during the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia:
- The project that brings together the cultural traditions of different peoples and territories in a single space resonates with the idea of unity of our multinational country, the preservation of cultural diversity, and respect for each other's heritage.
Olga Nefyodova told the audience about the history of the "Belt of Peace", its development and its international dimension:
- Over two years, the project has united craftspeople, creative groups, non‑governmental organizations and territories, for whom participation in creating a common 'Belt' has become an opportunity to tell about their culture, traditions and unique cultural codes.
The opening ceremony was also attended by representatives of cultural institutions, public organizations, craftspeople – the authors of the "Belt of Peace" fragments – and residents of Tver.
The participants were greeted by Klavdia Smirnova, author of one of the first links of the "Belt" – the fragment "Tver Ingermanland". She spoke about the meanings and values embedded in the fragment she created.
Right at the opening of the exhibition, the exposition was expanded with a new fragment, "The Banks Are United", made by craftswomen from the Tver collective "Vyshivalka". The design of the embroidered fragment centres on the Volga – the main symbol of the capital of the Upper Volga region.
A special highlight of the celebration was a performance by the Finnish folk family ensemble Sateenkaari ("Rainbow"), which is an active participant in the project and has made a significant contribution to its development over the two years.
The opening ceremony concluded with a circle dance. To the lively "Letka‑Enka", all the spectators and guests of the exhibition joined the performers. This dance became a living embodiment of the idea behind the "Belt of Peace" – to bring people together through culture and traditions, creating a space for communication, mutual interest and friendship.
The exhibition will run until August 28, 2026. Admission is free.
The next meeting with the "Belt of Peace" will take place on September 18–19, 2026 in Moscow – at the Second World Public Assembly.
For additional information, please visit the official website of the World Peoples Assembly or contact media@world-assembly.org.