UN adopts resolution calling for Olympic truce during 2026 Winter Games

The United Nations General Assembly (GA) has adopted a resolution urging an Olympic truce during the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, according to the Olympics' official website.

Titled “Promoting peace and building a happier life on earth through sport and the realisation of the Olympic ideals,” the draft resolution was approved by consensus.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry emphasised the importance of separating sports from politics prior to the vote, stating, “We need to work together to separate sport and politics. This means that athletes should be able to come to host countries and participate in competitions, rather than facing the threat of being forced to stay home because they have been denied a visa for political reasons.”

The resolution contains nine points. The first calls for the observance of the Olympic Truce starting seven days before the opening of the Olympic Games and ending seven days after the closing of the Paralympic Games. It also emphasises ensuring the safe passage, access, and participation of athletes, officials, and all other accredited persons.

Furthermore, the resolution urges all UN Member States to cooperate with the IOC and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) in efforts to leverage sport as a tool to promote peace, dialogue, tolerance, and reconciliation in conflict areas both during and after the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

By Tamilla Hasanova