Paris [France], July 27: As the Summer Olympics and Paralympics got underway in Paris on Friday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for global respect of the Olympic Truce - a custom of halting all hostilities from before to after the Games.
In November, the UN General Assembly adopted a vote to observe the truce in Paris.
"In a moment like this, it's important to say that the first recorded in history real peace initiative was the Olympic Truce," Guterres said during a press encounter in the French capital alongside International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach.
"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," he added.
The UN chief noted many points of existing conflict across the globe including in Gaza, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and more. He said the Olympic Games symbolise "cooperation and loyal competition, instead of division and conflict". Therefore, he encouraged countries to foster unity as athletes do during these games.
Guterres is set to attend the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games.
Refugee Olympic Team
Meanwhile, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees encouraged everyone across the globe to promote "peaceful co-existence and mutual respect" as the refugee team competing in the Games is doing.
"Sport is a symbol of hope and of peace, which are sadly in short supply in our world today," The High Commissioner, Filippo Grandi, said.
"The refugee team is a beacon for people everywhere. These athletes show what can be achieved when talent is recognised and developed, and when people have opportunities to train and compete alongside the best. They are nothing short of an inspiration," he added.
This year's squad consists of 37 athletes - the largest since the 2016 Rio Games when refugee teams first debuted.
Source: Emirates News Agency