Italy to propose global ceasefire for 2026 Winter Olympics
Key Takeaways
- Italy will propose a global ceasefire to the UN for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina.
- The proposal aims to halt all wars, specifically mentioning the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
- The concept of an Olympic truce dates back to the ancient games in Greece.
- Foreign Affairs Minister Antonio Tajani stated that Italy must be 'champions of peace.'
- The proposal follows recent international efforts, including a US-led plan, to end the war in Gaza.
Italy is set to formally propose a global ceasefire, known as an Olympic truce, to the United Nations in anticipation of hosting the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. Foreign Affairs Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed the initiative, drawing inspiration from the ancient Greek tradition where warring factions paused conflicts during the games. The proposed truce aims to cover all current global conflicts, explicitly including the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. Tajani stressed Italy's commitment to peace, aligning with statements from Pope Leo and supporting the US-led plan for ending the war in Gaza. The Milano Cortina Games are scheduled to run from February 6 to February 22, 2026, marking an effort to revive a tradition that has largely been ignored in modern Olympics since 1896.
