Peace on the front: The UN calls on all states involved in armed conflicts for a ceasefire of 7 weeks, following the model of ancient Greece.

The Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina start on Friday, and the United Nations, together with the organizers, is calling for a 7-week pause in all armed conflicts, in accordance with the tradition of the Olympic truce from ancient Greece. This truce, known as ekecheiria, was respected by city-states in the past to allow athletes to travel safely to competitions. The proposed pause will begin with a week before the opening of the Games, on February 6, and will last until a week after the conclusion of the Paralympic Games, on March 15.

Although UN resolutions on the truce are adopted by large majorities, history shows that commitments are often violated, as was the case with Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In the current context, where the number of armed conflicts has significantly increased, ceasefire initiatives are becoming increasingly important. UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that the Olympics can symbolize peace and international cooperation. Kirsty Coventry, the president of the International Olympic Committee, highlighted the importance of sport as a space for meeting and unity among people, even in times of division.