The U.N. General Assembly has called on all nations to honor the Olympic truce during the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, following Russia’s repeated violations in the past. The resolution, adopted by consensus among the 193-member body, underscores the importance of the truce in promoting peace, dialogue, and reconciliation. The U.N. emphasized the need for countries to ensure the safe participation of athletes, calling on them not to deny visas to any nation’s athletes for politically motivated reasons.
Italian President of the Organizing Committee for the Winter Olympics, Giovanni Malagò, introduced the resolution, advocating for the truce’s revival to promote unity and peace in a world filled with discord. International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry praised the truce as a tool to foster unity, urging countries to keep sport and politics separate. The resolution also recalled the ancient Greek tradition of Ekecheiria, highlighting the truce’s historical significance.
The U.N. called for a peaceful environment, ensuring that athletes can compete without political barriers. The resolution aims to mobilize the youth of the world to the cause of peace, aligning with the Olympic spirit. Additionally, the U.N. expressed concern over recent incidents where visas were denied to athletes from certain countries, emphasizing the need for fair treatment of all participants.
Recent incidents, such as the Indonesian government’s denial of visas to the Israeli gymnastics team for the World Gymnastics Championships, have raised alarms. The International Olympic Committee recommended no international competitions take place in Indonesia, and the country was excluded from hosting future Olympics. The U.N. resolution seeks to address such issues, ensuring that athletes can participate without political interference.
With the 2026 Winter Olympics set to run from Feb. 4 to Feb. 26, the resolution serves as a reminder of the truce’s role in maintaining a peaceful atmosphere during the games. The U.N. General Assembly’s call for global adherence to the Olympic truce reflects a broader effort to leverage sports as a means of promoting peace and unity in an increasingly divided world.