A flag stands for a nation; several flags flying together can stand for much more than several nations...

At ITER Headquarters on Friday, as Liman, Jean-Daniel, Kaushal, Shoko, Unkyu, Lana and Topher — the youngest among the ITER staff — hoisted the flag of their respective countries, the symbol was clear to everyone: out of a collection of nations with different and sometimes conflicting history, different cultures, different work habits, ITER has become a "family" - intent, in Deputy Director-General Chuyanov's words, on "achieving a great job."

There was emotion, and there was enthusiasm, as Director-General Motojima and the senior management stressed the importance of the task ahead, the necessity to work "even harder" and our responsibility to bring this project to full fruition.

Speaking for the Member they represent, each DDG, or DDG representative, expressed pride in his country, explaining the meaning of its flag, sometimes recounting its history, or joking about the place it occupies amongst those of the other ITER Members.

Beyond that pride, however, was something even more valuable, expressed by the flag that DG Motojima hoisted last: the ITER flag, not the flag of a country but that of a project that is of the highest importance to every country.

The youngest among the ITER staff could jump for joy once the ceremony was over. ITER continues to gather momentum; our project is now visible for all, and Liman, Jean-Daniel, Kaushal, Shoko, Unkyu, Lana and Topher will see fusion go from our present large-scale scientific experiment to the every day reality of tomorrow's world.