As young scientists, “the greatest fulfilment for yourself and others can be when you locate your contribution within a commitment for the welfare of all global citizens”, he said.
Added to this was “the ongoing promulgation of war and an encouraged perception of the impotence of diplomacy”.
[ Von der Leyen calls for ‘massive’ increase in defence spending as new commission approved by MEPs Opens in new window ].
[ Newborn freezes to death in Gaza as thousands of displaced face winter cold and heavy rainOpens in new window ].
As I wrote this speech, six infants under four weeks old have died of hypothermia in their tents in Gaza.
Waterproof tents, food and clothing were available in the region, but organisations were prevented from giving them to starving families in sub-zero conditions, the president noted.
He paid tribute to the many Irish scientists “who believed that scientific discoveries should benefit all, without borders, state or fiscal”. »
