UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (left) with International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach. Guterres: UN fully supports Olympic movement and 2024 Games UN
The first known genuine peace initiative in history was the Olympic Truce. This was recalled by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during a joint press conference with International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach.
Guterres expressed the full support of the United Nations for the International Olympic Committee.
“We live in a divided world, where conflicts are escalating in dramatic ways,” the UN chief told reporters in Paris.
“And so, as the Olympic Games are about to begin, it is time to remind everyone of the importance of the Olympic Truce and to let the world know that we must silence the guns,” he added.
The Secretary-General also expressed gratitude to the IOC for allowing a refugee team to take part in the Olympic Games again. According to him, those who were forced to flee and leave their countries have the same right to play sport as anyone else on the planet.
In addition, the Olympic Games have become an example of commitment to sustainable development, Guterres said. He noted the carbon-neutral status of the event, as well as efforts to ensure full access for people with disabilities to the Games in Paris.
“We want these Olympic Games in Paris, the city of light, to be a fantastic success,” the UN chief said.
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