Darya Shunaeva shared insights about the region at the "URBANkasy 2025" conference.
In the heart of Russia, the Nizhny Novgorod region is making significant strides in sustainable territorial development, as highlighted at the annual urban conference "URBANka-2025". This integrated approach to development aims to improve environmental quality, social well-being, and economic resilience, ultimately raising the region's overall quality of life.
The Nizhny Novgorod region has proposed 19 cities for master planning under the federal "Development of Infrastructure in Settlements" program of the "Infrastructure for Life" national project. Among the included cities are Nizhny Novgorod, Dzerzhinsk, Arzamas, Kulebaki, Navashino, Sаrov, and Vyksa. Thirty-six cities in the region have been included in a unified list of support points of the Russian Federation, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainable development [1][2].
The regional government is making strategic decisions for balanced territorial development and effective urban planning management using GISOGD, the state information system for urban planning activities. This system has been recognised as one of the best in the country by the Ministry of Construction of Russia [3].
Environmental and cultural initiatives play a crucial role in the region's sustainable development. In 2025, Nizhny Novgorod launched the first International Biennale of Environmental Art, promoting ecological awareness and integrating environmental concerns into cultural discourse. This event aims to unify society around sustainability themes and encourages public reflection on the human-nature relationship [4].
Infrastructure development is another key focus area. The region has initiated the second stage of an investment program focused on electric transport and charging infrastructure, supporting sustainable mobility and reducing air pollution [5].
Regional cooperation and socio-economic development are also essential components of the region's sustainable development strategy. Ongoing strong people-to-people diplomacy and cooperation with Belarus' Grodno Oblast are fostering economic, cultural, and municipal governance collaboration. This collaboration is translating into shared strategies for development of small towns, agriculture, industry, youth policies, and tourism [2][3].
Sustainable economic practices by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are also being encouraged. Broader Russian research including SMEs in regions like Nizhny Novgorod points to increasing adoption of environmental management and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) reporting practices, which support sustainable economic growth and transparency [6].
To further strengthen the region's commitment to sustainable development, a corporate department of regional MinGorod and MinStroy has been operating at NNSU since 2023. Additionally, a specialized master's program in "Territorial Urban Development Management" has been launched at NNSU [7]. In 2021, MinGorod signed an agreement with Nizhny Novgorod State Architectural-Building University (NNSU) for cooperation in educational and production activities [8].
The head of the Nizhny Novgorod Ministry of Construction, Dar'ya Shunaeva, emphasized the goal of ensuring sustainable growth and improving the quality of life in the region. She presented the region's experience in sustainable territorial development at the annual urban conference "URBANka-2025" (18+) [9].
With these initiatives in place, the Nizhny Novgorod region is poised to make significant strides in sustainable territorial development, fostering healthier environments, a vibrant cultural identity, economic opportunities, and effective governance, thereby improving the overall quality of life for its inhabitants.
[1] https://t.me/gorvlast/15887 [2] https://t.me/gorvlast/15968 [3] https://t.me/gorvlast/15975 [4] https://t.me/gorvlast/15976 [5] https://t.me/gorvlast/15977 [6] https://t.me/gorvlast/15978 [7] https://t.me/gorvlast/15979 [8] https://t.me/gorvlast/15980 [9] https://t.me/gorvlast/15981
- The Nizhny Novgorod region, with its focus on sustainable development, is exploring the integration of technology in education and self-development, aiming to equip its citizens with the digital skills necessary for the 21st century.
- Recognizing the importance of a balanced lifestyle, sports facilities are being developed alongside urban projects to promote physical health and well-being for the region's inhabitants.
