IOC

20 Nov 2023 – Ahead of the presentation of the Olympic Truce draft resolution to the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach met UN Secretary-General António Guterres today.

The two leaders discussed the current geopolitical situation in the world and the impact it is having on sport. Both stressed the contribution of sport to the promotion of peace and mutual understanding. They emphasised the importance of political neutrality and the autonomy of sport in order for the Olympic Movement to live up to its mission to unite the world in peaceful competition with the participation of all. This also means that sports events must be run by sports organisations and not by governments.

These themes will likewise be addressed in the Olympic Truce Resolution for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024, which will be formally submitted to the UN Member States in the 78^th Session of the UN General Assembly tomorrow at 10 a.m. Eastern Time (EST) by the Government of France, in close collaboration with the IOC, the International Paralympic Committee and the Organising Committee.

IOC President Bach invited the UN Secretary-General to the Games in Paris, and informed him about the fake news campaign targeting the IOC.

The UN SG praised the IOC initiatives with regard to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals and highlighted in particular gender equality, health, sustainability, climate protection and refugees. He expressed his confidence in the success of the Olympic Games Paris 2024.

“The UN Secretary-General is a great supporter of the Olympic values and the Olympic Games. I would like to thank him very much for his unwavering support for the work of the IOC. We are looking forward to welcoming him in Paris,” said Thomas Bach.

The tradition of the Olympic Truce – “Ekecheiria” – has been to ensure a halt of all hostilities, allowing the safe passage and participation of athletes and spectators taking part in the Olympic Games. The main objectives pursued by the IOC through the Olympic Truce are to mobilise young people for the promotion of the Olympic ideal, to use sport to help build bridges between communities in conflict, and, more generally, to create a window of opportunity for dialogue and reconciliation.

The Olympic Games Paris 2024 will take place from 26 July to 11 August 2024, and will be followed by the Paralympic Games from 28 August to 8 September 2024.