On this significant day
We are all here together
Hoping to contribute our tiny bit
To change the world for the better

Carrying different experiences and stories
Each of us has set their bound
Yet our energy buzzes and chimes
And our hearts beat in one sound

But around us we see
Health, climate, energy crises
Depriving us of the priceless
People suffering
Forests burning
Animals disappearing
What more can we say
Our home in this vast universe
Is withering away

How do we deal with such great wickedness
It would be easy to despair
So much to change and repair
But within us, there is a light
That pushes us to face this terrifying blight
And fight

We have knowledge
We have technology
We have heart and the good science
Such great opportunity
To create an unbreakable alliance

We have been at it for decades
Yet, the planet still cries for help
Are we really listening
Something is missing

X measures, X policies,
X campaigns, X apologies
The scientist, the artist, the activist,
Altogether we have come the farthest
But do we really want to change
When it comes to the hardest

Who we really are
What is our life really about
What we really need
It is a mystery indeed
Let’s move from hopes and intentions
And finally, ask ourselves the big questions

As the transformation we envisage
What we work so hard for
That beautiful image
Starts within us

In a society eternally obsessed
With productivity and achievement
Enough will never be enough
And body, mind, and soul
Will never be in agreement

Who has never been there, I ask
One more chapter
One more phrase
One more paragraph
You’re in a daze
One more page
One more thought
One more word
Your vision is blurred
One more call
One more reading
One more email
Your head burns and it is so late
No matter, tomorrow cannot wait

Unsustainable yearnings and realities
Unite inner and outer worlds
Cultivating blindness, not kindness
they shadow and obstruct
A life never complete
That we need to deconstruct

Easier said than done
With such pressing urgency to go on
But listening to our emotions
Caring for ourselves
It is not a waste of time
Everything is connected
Everything is aligned

The change lies in every gesture,
Every move, every reaction, every groove,
Every handshake or adventure

With a heart bursting with fraternal love
We can rise above
A spiritual transformation
Sweeping across the nation

Respecting existence
From rock to human being
It is truly the key
To unlock a new beginning

So here we reunite
Putting apathy and ego aside
In this careful event
To strengthen this scientific community
From senior to newby

With relentless courage
Taking in our precious diversity
Holding tight to our integrity and values
We have a real and deep look into sustainability
With all that it encompasses
To turn our vision into reality

Let us use this meeting
To really be here
To let go of fear
Truthful to what we are and believe
Willing to give and open to receive
To relate and connect with one another

Let us welcome the breeze of empathy
That opens our minds and makes us appreciate
The very spirit of things
And its simple beauty

And with all the meaningful hard work
Peace of mind and positive goodwill
The seeds of creativity start growing
Trustful collaborations begin flowing
The juices of inspiration get going
And the rest will come