On September 26, 2024, Cape Town hosted the BRICS Universe exhibition at the Iziko Planetarium, a captivating blend of culture, science, and international collaboration. The exhibition, organized by the Russia-BRICS Project Office for International Youth Cooperation and Roscosmos, brought together breathtaking photographs of BRICS nations as seen from space, captured by Russian cosmonauts and photographers.
The event opened with a welcome by Hylton Arnolds, Director of Education at Iziko Museums, who emphasized the museum’s role in fostering education and cultural exchange. His words set the tone for an afternoon dedicated to bridging the worlds of science, art, and international cooperation.
Alexei Malenko, Consul General of Russia in Cape Town, highlighted the strong bonds between BRICS countries, particularly in space science. He praised the enduring relationships between BRICS nations, especially in the field of space exploration, and emphasized that the exhibition was not just about viewing stunning images of Earth but about appreciating the scientific advancements and diplomatic ties that make such feats possible. "Space exploration transcends borders," he remarked, "uniting us in the pursuit of knowledge and peace."
The highlight of the afternoon was the appearance of Sergey Kud-Sverchkov, a Russian cosmonaut who had personally contributed to the photographs on display. Speaking with a mix of humility and awe, Sergey described the experience of looking down at Earth from space, capturing images of cities, rivers, and landscapes that he hoped would remind everyone of the shared beauty and fragility of our planet. He joked about the challenges of weightlessness and the meticulous work it takes to live and thrive on the ISS, drawing laughter from the audience.
However, it wasn’t just about the marvels of technology and science. Sergey’s reflections touched on the resilience of humanity itself—a recurring theme throughout the day. "From space, Earth looks peaceful," he mused, "but the real beauty lies in how we collaborate despite our differences." His words struck a deep chord, especially given the political and economic tensions of our times. The cosmonaut reminded all present that, despite conflicts on Earth, the pursuit of knowledge and peace in space continues undeterred.
At its core, the BRICS Universe exhibition stood as a symbol of what can be achieved when nations come together for a common cause. The photos displayed at the exhibition were more than just images—they were cultural bridges. They told stories of the BRICS nations from space, but they also brought people from different walks of life together under one roof. Attendees marveled at the vibrant images of Rio de Janeiro, the sprawling landscapes of Russia, the bustling cities of India and China, and the iconic sights of South Africa. Each image felt like an invitation to explore the world anew, reminding everyone of the beauty and potential within every nation.
In the end, the BRICS Universe exhibition wasn’t just about the past and present. It was about the future—the future of science, the future of collaboration, and the future of humanity. With space as the final frontier, the sky is no longer the limit; it’s just the beginning.