Zelenograd, Russia is known as the “green city,” and its Sister City connection with Tulsa runs deep. For over 30 years, students, doctors, and community leaders have exchanged not just visits, but friendship and understanding. Meet Garrett Gibson, a Russian scholar and Cold War historian now serving as Sister City Chair, and Bob Lieser, TGA’s Senior Director of Citizen Diplomacy, whose own connection to Zelenograd spans decades and includes teaching, hosting, and leading exchanges on both sides of the globe.

TGA’s annual Coffee with the Councilors brought together city leaders, board members, and Sister City representatives to celebrate Tulsa’s global connections. Over a spread of international dishes, attendees shared updates on cultural exchanges, global education, and the economic impact of international relationships.

At World in a Box Day, five friends from Russia, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, and Ukraine stood together to show how friendship can transcend conflict and national boundaries.

On November 27, 2023, City leaders, family, and friends gathered outside City Hall to dedicate Sister Cities sign #5 in memory of Cathy Izzo, TGA’s longtime Sister Cities Program Coordinator.

TGA hosted its annual International Breakfast and Coffee with the Councilors on October 25, 2023, featuring Sister City–themed foods and remarks from Tulsa leaders about recent global engagement efforts.

Family, friends, City officials, and TGA representatives gathered on June 1, 2023, at McCullough Park to dedicate a Sister Cities sign in memory of Arnulfo Murillo Muñoz.

On October 20, 2022, TGA dedicated the third Sister Cities directional sign at 68th and Riverside, with remarks from city leaders and cultural blessings shared by the Muscogee Nation.

Tulsa’s second Sister Cities directional sign was installed in December 2021 at GRC Park at 88th and South Yale Avenue, sponsored by CCK Strategies.

Five runners from Tulsa’s Sister City of Zelenograd completed a coordinated half-marathon in Russia during Tulsa’s Route 66 Marathon weekend, continuing a friendship first built during their 2019 visit.

In 2020, TGA and the City of Tulsa celebrated 40 years of Sister City partnerships with the dedication of the first Sister Cities directional sign at Tulsa Ports, sponsored by Advance Research Chemicals.

Circle Cinema presented Russian film programs in 2019, including a Meeting Gorbachev lecture and screening and a live-accompanied showing of Battleship Potemkin, offering Tulsa audiences a deeper look at Russian history and culture.