Panel Discussion
Space – A Domain of Peace, Trust, and Cooperation
One of the psychological states experienced by astronauts, which scientists call the "overview effect," involves the realization of Earth’s fragility and vulnerability and a desire to protect it. Due to this effect, all political, interethnic, and other conflicts occurring on our planet seem insignificant in the face of other threats.
Yuri Gagarin was the first to experience the "overview effect." One of his most famous quotes about Earth is: "Orbiting Earth in the spaceship, I saw how beautiful our planet is. People, let us preserve and increase this beauty, not destroy it."
In 1968, astronaut William Anders during the Apollo 8 mission took the photograph "Earthrise." In the photo, Earth is seen rising above the lunar horizon instead of the sun, which is familiar to humans. This image spread across all countries and continents within days and appeared on the covers of the most fashionable and reputable magazines, such as Time. Thanks to this photograph, millions of people on Earth simultaneously experienced the "overview effect," which marked the beginning of environmental movements worldwide.
The term "overview effect" was first used by writer Frank White in 1987 in his book "The Overview Effect: Space Exploration and Human Evolution."
Thus, we see that individuals involved in space exploration undergo a shift in consciousness toward caring for humanity as a species and for our planet, and space serves as an effective tool for diplomacy.
With our speakers, we will discuss
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How space exploration helps us Earthlings better understand ourselves, care for one another, and protect our planet
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What methods astronauts and cosmonauts propose for resolving conflicts on Earth
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We will recall the historic handshake in space during the 1975 "Apollo-Soyuz" mission, which laid the foundation for the International Space Station.
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How the ISS has become a striking example of successful space diplomacy, demonstrating cooperation among nations. Despite disagreements on Earth, the 16 partner countries of the ISS maintain dialogue and collaboration, as evidenced by the meeting between the heads of Roscosmos and NASA in 2025
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We will learn about Russia’s international policy in the space sector, the cross-flight program, and the recent visit of the head of Roscosmos to the United States
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How space science inspires space artists and designers worldwide and materializes in photographic art and tangible interior objects on Earth.
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How space education helps raise responsible and conscious children, uniting children from around the world
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That space and medicine know no boundaries
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We will also discuss how humanitarian initiatives should become direct participants in the space industry alongside government and private space companies, and the importance of deep space exploration based on humanistic values
Moderator
Regulations
Regulations
- Joint video address by a Russian cosmonaut and an American commercial astronaut to the Assembly participants
- Denis Matveev, russian test cosmonaut of the Yu. A. Gagarin Research and Test Cosmonaut Training Center (FSBI "NII TsPK"), the 126th cosmonaut of Russia, the 128th citizen of Russia/USSR in space
- Eyman Jihangir, сardiologist and commercial astronaut, the 704th person in the world to have been in space
- Vagner Ivan Viktorovich, russian test cosmonaut of the Yu. A. Gagarin Research and Test Cosmonaut Training Center (FSBI "NII TsPK"), the 123rd cosmonaut of Russia, the 566th cosmonaut in the world.
- Tatyana Tischenko, director of the Department of International Cooperation of the State Corporation "Roscosmos"
- Tatyana Ivshina, producer of the "BRICS Universe" project, manager of social projects at the "Gretchko Nizhny Novgorod Planetarium"
- Elena Orlova, president of the "Science. Art. Technology" Foundation. Expert in creative economy and cultural heritage. Author of the book "Design and Space: How Technology Becomes Art." Organizer of Space Age design exhibitions
- Raksana Batsmanova, specialist in nursing with over 20 years of experience. Author of educational programs, trainings, and methodological guides for medical personnel, with over 12 years of experience working in a NASA team.
- Olga Belyakova, ambassador of the “Unity” Charitable Foundation
- Yumna Majeed, founder of the educational project “Exploration” (Pakistan)
