Olympic Truce
The History and Purpose of the Olympic Truce
The Olympic Truce has ancient origins: dating back to the 9th century BC in Greece, it was established to allow participants of the Olympic Games to travel and compete safely. Known as "Ekecheiria," the Truce represented a ceasefire and guaranteed protection during the competition period, ending conflicts from seven days before the start of the Games until seven days after their conclusion.
This concept was revived by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1992, with the aim of promoting peace through sport. The IOC has collaborated with the United Nations (UN) since 1993; every year before an edition of the Olympic Games, the UN General Assembly reaffirms its support for the principle of the Olympic Truce by adopting a resolution. In view of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games, the Olympic Truce, in an era of global tensions, takes on an even deeper meaning. The goal is to use this sporting event as a means to promote collaboration and friendship among nations, and encourage dialogue and cooperation, recalling the ancient Olympic spirit that celebrated unity and peace.
Its Relevance Today
The Olympic Truce today holds critical relevance, especially in the context of current global conflicts. In view of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the call to suspend hostilities to allow for the peaceful conduct of the Games is not only symbolic but a powerful message of tolerance and international cooperation.
At a time when geopolitical tensions and armed conflicts threaten global stability, the Olympic Truce serves as a reminder that, despite differences and disputes, the power of sport can unite nations and people. Milano Cortina 2026 can become a symbol of hope and renewed commitment to building a better and more peaceful world through sport and mutual respect.
More about the Olympic Truce
Sport offers common ground, where differences are set aside in favor of a common goal: fair competition and the celebration of human talent. Milano Cortina 2026 can inspire new generations to believe in the power of sport as a tool for positive change and for building a better future.
Every two years, during the autumn preceding each edition of the Olympic and Paralympic Summer and Winter Games, the United Nations adopts a resolution calling for the observance of the Olympic Truce. The resolution invites UN member states to observe a truce during the Olympics and Paralympics, with the aim of encouraging countries around the world to resolve their international disputes through peaceful and diplomatic means, in line with the principles of the United Nations Charter.
Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026 is committed to promoting the message of the Olympic Truce on a global scale, continuing the path taken by the nations that have hosted previous editions of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. It firmly upholds the values of peace and calls on all nations of the world to respect the Olympic Truce by halting conflicts, in the hope of achieving lasting peace.
Milano Cortina 2026 is actively engaged in raising awareness of the Olympic Truce through its programmes and projects, aiming to reach a broad audience and to highlight the importance of such a powerful and meaningful tool. Milano Cortina 2026 supports and endorses all initiatives and international days dedicated to peace around the world, as well as the removal of barriers that hinder inclusion and equality.
Through Gen26, the Milano Cortina 2026 Education Programme, the Organising Committee introduces Italian students – from primary school to university – to the Olympic Truce. This is done by building strong partnerships with schools and universities across Italy, and by delivering educational initiatives, games and sporting activities, meetings, and seminars, all developed with a collaborative approach that seeks to leave a positive legacy for our society.
During the Winter Games Week – one of the most engaging educational projects within the Gen26 programme – many Italian students were introduced to the Olympic Truce for the first time through creative activities that encouraged them to express their thoughts and emotions about this important symbol of peace.
The arts are also a powerful means of conveying and promoting the values of the Olympic Truce. The Cultural Olympiad – a Milano Cortina 2026 initiative designed to involve the artistic community in projects and events that link art and sport – plays an important role in this campaign to raise awareness.
The values of the Olympic Truce will also be reflected in two key initiatives of Milano Cortina 2026: the volunteer programme for Team26 and the Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relay. Both projects are designed to promote peace, inclusion and collaboration, uniting global communities in a shared commitment to building a better world.
During the Games, two key moments will celebrate Milano Cortina 2026’s commitment to the Olympic Truce. Each Olympic Village will feature a Truce Wall: a symbolic space where athletes, delegation members and other figures will be invited to sign their names as a gesture of hope for a world free from conflict, and as a reminder that sport can be a powerful vehicle for peace.
In addition, the Opening Ceremony will include a segment dedicated to the Olympic Truce – a moment of symbolic and collective significance that will serve as a call to action and a shared responsibility to build a more peaceful world.
