2022 Winter Games: UN Calls for Global Unity
By EPHRAIM NWOSU
United Nations secretary General, Antonio Guterres has charged participating athletes at the Winter Games to extend the Olympic spirit beyond the quadrennial sports fiesta.
Guterres, echoing a message last week in New York, made the appeal to help foster peace and unity across the globe.
Guterres call was made in a video message to the opening of the Winter Olympics in Beijing, China, on Friday.
“In a moment when we see so many expressions of populism, so many expressions of racism and so many expressions of xenophobia,” says Guterres adding, ” antisemitism, anti-Muslim hatred, to be here and to be with athletes that come from all cultures, from all countries, from all ethnicities, from all religions, it’s a fantastic message.”
The UN chief congratulated the competitors, stressing let the Olympic spirit of peace, mutual respect, and understanding shine throughout the games and beyond.
” There is no limit to what we can achieve when we work together-for peace, for human rights and for healthy lives and well being for everyone.”
Ahead of the Games, the UN chief invoked the Olympic Truce, a hallowed tradition dating back Millennia, appealing to warring sides in Ethiopia to stop fighting.
“When we see so many conflicts around the world, we see the absolute relevance of having Olympic Games in which all countries are represented, even-unfortunately-some that are in a war situation, to have them all here and to show that peace is possible and that solidarity is possible,” Guterres said.
“This fully justifies the strong commitment of the United Nations to support the International Olympic Committee.”
The President of the UN General Assembly, Abdullah Shahid , is also in the city, and ran the Olympic torch on Friday.
Speaking afterwards to journalists, he described it as a great opportunity and great privilege.
“They do wear tracksuits, but they are the diplomats that we want-the young, the energetic, women and men coming together, interacting with each other and providing the energy that we so badly need for the promotion of peace.”
About 90 countries are taking part in the Beijing Games, which run through 20 February.
