OWN CORRESPONDENT
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Wednesday adopted the Olympic Truce Resolution for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Games — a historic reaffirmation of the global commitment to peace, dialogue and human dignity. The adoption, made by consensus at the UN’s 80th Session in New York, set an optimistic tone ahead of the 2026 Winter Games and featured compelling addresses from key international figures, including International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry, a proud daughter of Zimbabwe.
For Coventry — delivering her first Truce address as IOC President — the moment was deeply symbolic. Her presence at the UN podium was shaped not only by her global stature but also by her journey from a Zimbabwean childhood dreamer to Olympic champion and now the leader of the world’s biggest sporting movement.
Coventry opened her remarks by saluting the shared values expressed by Member States: human dignity, unity, fairness, inclusion and the neutrality of sport.
She spoke to the Assembly with conviction, warning that conflict and division continue to tear communities apart. Against this backdrop, she said, sport remains one of the few universal forces capable of inspiring cooperation.
“When athletes come together, they do not see nationality, religion or background. They see one another as fellow athletes. They show us what humanity can be at its very best. This is the spirit of the Olympic Truce: a call to set aside what divides us – and rather to focus on what unites us.”
Coventry celebrated the 165 UN Member States who co-sponsored the resolution, saying their endorsement sends “a clear message to the athletes of the world” that the international community stands with them as symbols of unity and hope.
She stressed that the Olympic Movement and the United Nations remain bound by the same mission: “To bring people together. To uphold human dignity. To build bridges of peace.”
Coventry also issued a firm appeal for states to protect sport from political interference — warning that athletes must not be denied entry to competitions or face politically motivated restrictions.
“Athletes must not be judged on where they come from but rather on their sporting merits, ” she reminded the Assembly.
A Zimbabwean story on the world stage
In a moment that resonated deeply with African delegates, Coventry reflected on her childhood in Harare. She recalled watching the Barcelona 1992 Games at the age of nine and boldly proclaiming to her parents that one day she would win Olympic gold. Less than a decade later, she did — and now, she stands at the helm of the Olympic Movement.
“That little girl could never have imagined that one day I would be given the huge honour of leading this incredible organisation,” she said.
For many in the room, her story served as a reminder of the transformative power of sport — especially for youth across Africa.
UNGA President Baerbock: “The Olympic Truce is our moral compass”
Opening the session, UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock delivered a sweeping reflection on the meaning of the Truce.
“The Olympic spirit reminds us that competition can elevate humanity, that dialogue can overcome division… The resolution before this Assembly calls on all nations to uphold the Olympic Truce as a moral compass — a call for ceasefire, for dialogue, and for renewed cooperation.”
She said the implementation of the Truce should reaffirm the world’s shared conviction that unity remains possible, even in an era of geopolitical tension.
Introducing the resolution, Giovanni Malagò, President of the Milano Cortina 2026 Organising Committee, said the upcoming Games will serve as a global platform to harness the “power of sport” and inspire peace.
He highlighted the theme of Armonia – Harmony, describing it as rooted deeply in Italian culture, Renaissance philosophy and the universal ideals of human dignity.
“By encouraging culture and dialogue over dogma, Renaissance thinkers laid the foundations for modern diplomacy… These principles echo the cherished Olympic commitment to universality,” Malagò said.
A message carried from Milan to the world — and heard clearly in Zimbabwe
For Zimbabwe, the day carried national significance. Coventry’s leadership on the global stage continues to shine a positive light on the country’s sporting legacy, youth potential and diplomatic voice.
The adoption of the Olympic Truce Resolution now clears the way for the world to unite — at least symbolically — ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Games.
In Coventry’s words, “Even in these dark times of division, it is possible to celebrate our shared humanity and inspire hope for a better future. This is the spirit of the Olympic Games, and it will shine brightly from Milano Cortina to the world.”
As the countdown to 2026 continues, the world — and Zimbabwe — will be watching.