Delegation trip to our twin town Rivne

At the invitation of Riwne City Council, an official delegation from Pankow travelled to the Ukrainian partner city from 4th to 7th May 2025. The aim of the visit was to strengthen the friendly relations, exchange expertise, and commemorate the victims of the war. Accompanying the District Mayor, Dr Cordelia Koch, were the Pankow-Riwne town twinning coordinator Daryna Illienko, Head of the String Instruments Department at the Music School Stephanie Thunert, European Affairs Officer Svenja Arenz, Treasurer Vollrad Kuhn, and Uwe Lehmann, the Chair of the Berlin Pankow – Riwne Partnership Association.

Monday, 5th May 2025: History, Remembrance and Exchange
The day began with a visit to the Regional Museum of Local History in Riwne, where the delegation gained a comprehensive insight into the region’s history. Particularly interesting was the excursion to the “Mysterious Tunnels of Riwne” – the remains of a castle that was destroyed during Soviet times and filled with rubble.

Afterwards, the delegation attended a moving memorial ceremony at Independence Square (Maidan). On this day, the city bid farewell to two fallen soldiers. District Mayor Dr Cordelia Koch laid flowers on behalf of the Pankow district. A permanent exhibition of portraits of fallen soldiers at Independence Square, with a sign in the centre reading “The Price of Our Independence”, serves as a reminder of the victims of the war.

Sporting exchange was discussed during a visit to the football stadium of FC VERES, a significant club in Ukraine. District Mayor Koch spoke about potential sports partnerships between Pankow, Riwne, and also Polish partner cities.

At Lyceum No. 7, the delegation visited the school’s air raid shelters, where over 1,200 pupils must take refuge during air raid alerts. The school maintains an active partnership with Pankow’s Klecks Primary School, whose pupils regularly send letters and collect aid for their Ukrainian partner school.

In the afternoon, the delegation visited the City House of Culture, where an impressive Easter exhibition created by children and their teachers was on display. Dance and singing groups showcased their talents – an expression of the resilience and joy of life of the local people.

Several schools and cultural institutions in Riwne have expressed a desire to establish partnerships with institutions in the Pankow district. The Pankow District Office expressly welcomes this commitment and warmly invites all interested schools, clubs, and cultural institutions to collaborate. The District Office can also support the development and implementation of joint projects – whether in education, cultural exchange, or solidarity initiatives. Together, Pankow residents and organisations can create lasting connections and strengthen intercultural dialogue.

Tuesday, 6th May 2025: Exchange, Remembrance and Culture
The day began promptly at 9:00am with a citywide minute of silence for the victims of the Russian war of aggression – a moving moment of unity. The entire city comes to a standstill: traffic stops, people pause in silence in the streets, squares, and shops. For the people of Riwne, these daily moments of farewell are deeply sorrowful, as almost every family is affected by the war.

During the official meeting between Dr Koch and the Secretary of Riwne City Council, Viktor Shakyrzyan, joint projects in the areas of energy efficiency, accessibility, medical care, waste management, and business cooperation were discussed. Shakyrzyan expressly thanked Pankow for its ongoing support, particularly the relief deliveries.

A visit to the “Sosenky” memorial site commemorated the more than 17,000 Jewish citizens of Riwne who were murdered by the Nazis in November 1941. Pankow is currently raising funds for the restoration of the memorial plaque and plans to hand over these donations to the Jewish Community of Riwne for restoration by the end of 2025.

Another important item on the agenda was the visit to City Hospital No. 2, where many war-injured soldiers are treated. Chief Physician Dr Oleksandr Shehera presented the delegation with plans for the new prosthetics workshop, which is being set up with support from Pankow and will soon provide professional care for people with amputations.

A cultural highlight was the gala concert marking the 70th anniversary of Riwne Music College at the city’s Palace of Culture. Many of the young musicians had already visited Berlin as part of an exchange in September 2024. Their performances impressed with talent and expressiveness.

To conclude, the delegation visited the Riwne Academic Music and Drama Theatre. The director expressed heartfelt thanks for the grand piano donated by Pankow, which now stands in the centre of the theatre and is used for musical performances.

“Our partners in Riwne welcomed us with great warmth,” summarised District Mayor Koch. “In times of war, it means a lot to them that we come in person. Our visit has deepened the friendship and set new projects in motion.” The delegation returned deeply impressed – by the strength, vitality, and cultural diversity that characterise Riwne in spite of all adversity.
(Text: Daryna Illienko / Pankow District Office)