Beijing, 5 February 2022 (TDI): In a video message at the opening of the Beijing Olympics 2022 in China, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for a spirit of fair play and solidarity throughout the games.
The UN Chief congratulated the competitors, saying that they embody the Olympic spirit of peace, respect, as well as understanding.
We remain one human family: Antonio Guterres
Antonio Guterres stated that he fervently wished that the Olympics spirit extends beyond the Games, to remind everyone—participants as well as viewers—that all are members of the same human family.
He further expressed that there is no limit to what can be achieved together; for peace, for human rights, for healthy lives, and for wellbeing for all.
Currently, in Beijing, the Secretary-General also met with the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Thomas Bach, on Friday.
During their meeting on the sidelines of Beijing Olympics 2022, he stressed the importance of the Olympic message of global unity and solidarity.
Congratulations to every Olympian and Paralympian participating in the 2022 Winter Games.
Let the Olympic spirit of peace, mutual respect, and understanding shine throughout the games and beyond. pic.twitter.com/8eNoKCyaaV
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) February 4, 2022
Connecting the world
In an era when populism, racism, xenophobia, antisemitism, and anti-Muslim hatred are on the rise, the presence of athletes from all cultures, all nations, and of all ethnicities, as well as all religions, is a powerful message.
Competition does not necessarily mean enmity, as it can bring nations together to address issues like COVID-19, climate change, inequality, and other global challenges that go beyond unity and solidarity.
On the eve of the Games, the UN Chief invoked the Olympic Truce, a millennia-old tradition, and called upon warring parties in Ethiopia to cease hostilities.
He stressed that with so many conflicts going on around the world, the importance of having Olympic Games in which all countries are represented, including some in conflict is very important.
Such ventures show that peace is possible, that unity is possible, and that solidarity is possible. According to Antonio Guterres, the United Nations’ commitment to supporting the International Olympic Committee has been completely justified.
Athletes from 91 countries are competing in the Beijing Olympics 2022. The sports event will last till 24 February.
Diplomats wear tracksuits
Abdulla Shahid, President of the UN General Assembly, is in addition in the city and participated Friday in the Olympic torch relay. After the experience, he described it as “an honor and a privilege.”
The Olympic Games exemplify humanity at its best. Shahid stated that both the UN and Olympics focus on peace as their core value.
Regardless of beliefs and differences, IOC provides a platform that brings everyone together. Likewise, international peace and security remain the responsibility of the UN.
He enunciated that the tracksuits they’ve worn are casual, but they are the diplomats. He further underscored that the world needs the young, the energetic, the women, and men interacting, providing the vital energy that is needed to promote peace.
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