Secretary-General's Statements and Messages
Message on the Olympic Truce for the Pyeongchang Olympic Winter Games and Paralympic Winter Games
New York, 6 February 2018
This week the world will gather in PyeongChang in the Republic of Korea, united by the Olympic Spirit: in solidarity; mutual respect; and friendly competition.
The Olympics and Paralympics showcase the best of the world’s athletic achievements, and the best of humanity.
The Olympic Truce, which dates back to Ancient Greece, allows for the safe travel of athletes and spectators, and demands peace among participants during the period when the games take place.
Its fundamental message is that our common humanity can transcend political differences.
This ideal has more resonance than ever on the Korean peninsula.
I call on all parties to conflict to observe the Olympic Truce during the 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Let the Olympic Flame shine as a beacon to human solidarity.
Let the Olympic Truce help spread a culture of peace.
António Guterres
Previous statements and messages
- New York, 25 July 2016
Secretary-General's statement calling for the observance of the Olympic Truce for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, starting on 29 July - Sochi, Russian Federation, 7 February 2014
Secretary-General's video message for the Winter Olympic Games - New York, 31 January 2014
Secretary-General's message calling for the observance of the Olympic Truce for the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Sochi, Russian Federation - New York, 19 July 2012
Secretary-General's message on the Olympic Truce - New York, USA, 12 February 2010
Secretary-General's message calling for observance of the Olympic Truce - New York, USA, 8 August 2008
Secretary-General's message calling for observance of the Olympic Truce