OLYMPIA, GREECE - 21 APRIL: A priestess releases a white dove during the Lighting Ceremony of the Olympic Flame for the Rio Olympic Games on April 21, 2016 in Olympia, Greece. (Photo by Milos Bicanski/Getty Images)
2016 Getty Images
The United Nations have adopted the “Olympic Truce” resolution to build a world without conflicts through the power of sport. Through the resolution "Building a peaceful and better world through sport and the Olympic ideal", UN member states are asked to observe the Olympic Truce during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Background of the Olympic Truce
During the ancient Olympic Games around 2,800 years ago, a truce was announced to ensure that athletes and spectators could travel safely to the Games and peacefully return to their respective countries.
In 1992 the International Olympic Committee (IOC) renewed this tradition by proposing the “Olympic Truce” to protect the interest of athletes and sport, and to pursue peaceful and democratic solutions to resolve global conflicts. Olympic Truce initiatives were implemented from the 1994 Lillehammer Winter Games onwards.
“Olympic Truce” initiatives during the Tokyo 2020 Games
Tokyo 2020 fully support the Olympic Truce and will make efforts to promote the concept and to increase its recognition across society. The goal is to expand the value of the Olympic Games as a “festival of peace”. The role of the Olympic Games as a “festival of peace” will also be communicated around the world, and we will harness the power of sport to emphasise the importance of harmony and peace.
One of our initiatives that is being carried out is the “Peace Orizuru Project”. Paper cranes made by folding origami paper (“orizuru”) is a symbol of peace in Japan. The spirit of the Olympic Truce is promoted through the act of making paper cranes while praying for peace.
Adoption of the Olympic Truce resolution at the UN General Assembly
At the 74th General Assembly of the United Nations in December 2019, the Olympic Truce resolution for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games was adopted. During the assembly, 186 countries became co-sponsors, thanks to the cooperation of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
Future initiatives
Tokyo 2020 will work together with various agencies to increase awareness about the Olympic Truce in Japan and around the world.
Spreading the “Olympic Truce” concept
Activities promoting the Olympic Truce will be implemented at the events and campaigns organised by Tokyo 2020. As part of the effort, there are plans to install a truce mural and to make a special dedication during the Opening Ceremony.
Installation of a truce mural
A mural will be installed at the Athletes’ Village to gain support from the athletes toward the Olympic Truce concept. Athletes will be able to inscribe their message for peace on the mural.
Special dedication during the Opening Ceremony
In past Olympic and Paralympic Games's Opening Ceremonies, a dedication to the Olympic Truce was made using a white dove — the symbol of peace.