Thank you very much.

I want to express the deep support - the total support- of the United Nations to the International Olympic Committee.

We live in a divided world, where conflicts are proliferating in a dramatic way.

The horrendous suffering in Gaza, the seemingly endless war in Ukraine, terrible suffering from Sudan to the DRC [Democratic Republic of the Congo], from the Sahel to Myanmar.

And in a moment like this, it's important to say that the first recorded in history real peace initiative was the Olympic Truce.

And so, in a moment in which the Olympic Games are going to start, it's time to remind the world of the importance of the Olympic Truce and to make the world understand that we must silence the guns.

On the other hand, nothing is more contrary to conflict than the olympic experience.

The Olympic Games are a symbol of universality and diversity.

A symbol of cooperation and loyal competition, instead of division and conflict.

And so, this is the moment in which my strong appeal is for countries to come together with the same spirit as athletes, who will be coming together during the Olympic Games in fairness.

On the other hand, I would like to express my deep gratitude for what the Olympic Committee has made to allow a refugee team to compete in the Olympics once again. I was High Commissioner for Refugees for ten years, and it's important to leave no one behind, and not to leave behind those that were forced to flee, to leave their countries, and have the same rights to practice sports as any other citizen of the world.

On the other hand, the Olympic Games are showing a remarkable example in its commitment to sustainability and to the Sustainable Development Goals.

I believe that the events themselves will be carbon neutral, which is a remarkable achievement.

And I know also, in this context of protection of the vulnerable people in the world, that an enormous effort was made to facilitate the access of people with disabilities to fully enjoy the Olympic Games in Paris.

And so, once again, I want to express our support to the International Olympic Committee.

And our wish is that these Olympic Games in Paris, la ville lumière, will be a fantastic success.