Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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November 19, 2025 Culture and education
Ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, the UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution reiterating the importance of the Olympic Truce and reminding everyone that even in times of conflict, sport enables humanity to find common ground.
The tradition of the "Olympic Truce" dates back to the 9th century BC, when, in accordance with the prophecy of the Delphic oracle, the strife and wars that resulted in the destruction of the city of Peloponnese in Ancient Greece were stopped, and competitions between athletes from warring tribes were held.
Over the years, other Greek tribes also joined the Peloponnesian Treaty to host the Olympic Games. The original purpose of ending war during the Olympics was to allow all athletes to reach the competition site and participate. The UN General Assembly revived this ancient Greek tradition of the "ekecheiria" ("Olympic Truce") in 1993.
Sports and Peace
As General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock noted on Wednesday, "even in times of division, humanity can find common ground and hope in sport." Baerbock recalled her years as a trampoline athlete dreaming of the Olympic Games—and the sense of unity that sport can create, even influencing relationships between competitors.
UN Photo/E. Schneider
The experience of past decades shows how effective this metaphor can be.
In the 1990s, the Open Fun Football Schools project brought together over 150,000 children from various ethnic groups in the Balkans, using play as a way to rebuild trust after conflict. Similar programs in Colombia and Cyprus helped people gradually rebuild mutual trust.
Women on Ice
Gender equality took center stage in the General Assembly President's speech. She recalled how the Canadian women's hockey team, which won gold at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, responded to the question "Do you play like a girl?" with, "Yes, fast and strong, like girls."
This message, she emphasized, helps combat stereotypes that continue to limit the rights of women and girls, not only in sports. The Milan-Cortina 2026 Games are expected to be the most gender-balanced Winter Games in history, with women making up approximately 47 percent of the participants.
Sports spirit
Italy has committed to ensuring the Games promote inclusion and accessibility – both on the ice and beyond. This will be supported by hundreds of projects planned for the Games.
The Italian delegation also recalled examples of sporting solidarity, in particular the act of bobsledder Eugenio Monti, who lent his competitors a vital piece of equipment at the 1964 Innsbruck Games. This cost him the victory, but earned him the respect of his colleagues.
"Sport and the Olympic Games can be a beacon of hope, an alternative to rivalry and division," Italian officials said.
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