UNITY Unites Global Space leaders in Addis Ababa at World Public Summit

On July 30, 2026, leading experts from Russia, Brazil, Spain, Tunisia, Uganda, and Ethiopia gathered in Addis Ababa for a panel discussion titled "Space Without Borders: Uniting the World Through Education, Science and Humanitarian Partnership" as part of the World Public Summit "Africa. New World: Africa in Shaping a Shared Future." The dialogue focused on the growing importance of space exploration in fostering international cooperation, public diplomacy, education, and humanitarian initiatives.

Oleg Skripochka, a Hero of the Russian Federation and Roscosmos cosmonaut, delivered a keynote speech, highlighting how space exploration has united people across national borders through trust, cooperation, and knowledge exchange. He also emphasized the vital role of space activities in education, science communication, and humanitarian cooperation.

Participants stressed that space exploration now serves broader purposes beyond scientific research and technology. The session explored how space initiatives can be powerful tools for education, science communication, youth engagement, and humanitarian efforts.

Tunisian expert Khalil Louati pointed out Russia's significant contributions to transferring space technologies to African countries, enabling them to become active players in the global space sector. He highlighted ongoing projects with Russian agencies, such as the first Tunisian woman's spaceflight and the first female African astronaut.

The panel also discussed the role of space medicine in improving healthcare on Earth through technologies developed for astronauts. NASA nurse Raxana Batsmanova stressed the importance of putting people at the center of space exploration, ensuring that advances serve humanity's best interests.

The discussion concluded with a practical humanitarian initiative: a Space Art Therapy program organized by the UNITY Charity Foundation. The program brought together children with cancer at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital in Ethiopia, where they created drawings alongside cosmonauts and space professionals. The artwork later traveled to space aboard a Soyuz launch vehicle, allowing the children's dreams to be carried into orbit.