International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach and Paris 2024 Organising Committee President Tony Estanguet today welcomed the adoption by the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) of a resolution for the observance of the Olympic Truce for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024. The resolution was formally introduced to the General Assembly on behalf of the French Government by Tony Estanguet and IOC President Thomas Bach appealed for the adoption of this resolution.
It was agreed on by an overwhelming majority of 118 votes in favour, with 2 abstentions, and no votes against.
In his address to the UN General Assembly (read the full speech here) in New York, USA, President Bach spoke of the significance of the Olympic Truce at a time when the world is facing so much confrontation, division and polarisation:
“In this fragile world, this Olympic Truce Resolution is more relevant than ever. In these difficult times, this resolution is our opportunity to send an unequivocal signal to the world – yes, we can come together, even in times of wars and crises. Yes, we can join hands and work together for a better future.”
He went on to say that the title of the resolution – “Building a peaceful and better world through sport and the Olympic ideal” – is a clear demonstration of the shared values of the UN and the IOC:
“The Olympic Games can contribute to this noble goal. Because the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. The Olympic athletes send the powerful message that: yes, it is possible to compete fiercely against each other and at the same time live peacefully together under one roof. This is our contribution to peace.”
The IOC President emphasised that sport “can only unite the entire world in peaceful competition if we are not torn apart by political, religious, cultural or other interests and differences. Therefore, we must be politically neutral and stand against any kind of discrimination.”
The UN Member States explicitly recognise the Olympic values of universality, non-discrimination, political neutrality and the autonomy of sport, as enshrined in the Olympic Charter, as well as the IOC’s role in leading the Olympic Movement. IOC President Bach thanked them for this particular recognition.
Source: IOC News – Foto: © IOC/Greg Martin
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