Italy Secures Consensus at UN for Milano–Cortina 2026 Olympic Truce Resolution
- Olga Nesterova
- 4 minutes ago
- 3 min read
The United Nations General Assembly today adopted by consensus the Olympic Truce Resolution for the Milano–Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, a text facilitated and led by Italy as host nation.
The announcement was made at a joint press conference by Ambassador Maurizio Massari, Italy’s Permanent Representative to the UN; Giovanni Malagò, President of the Milano–Cortina 2026 Foundation; and Kristy Coventry, President of the International Olympic Committee.
The resolution calls on all Member States to observe a cessation of hostilities from seven days before the Olympic Games until seven days after the Paralympic Games conclude.
“It restores multilateralism’s credibility.” — Italy’s Ambassador Massari
Ambassador Maurizio Massari highlighted the weight of this moment:
“The fact that the resolution was adopted by consensus of the General Assembly is extremely significant considering the current international scenario, which is unfortunately fraught with tension and conflict. It restores multilateralism’s credibility, because it has created convergence on a central issue — truce, peace, the cessation of conflict, and the principles and values that inspire our young athletes around the world.”
He emphasized that the consensus was the result of “coordinated, systemic, and widespread action carried out by the Italian government under the impetus of Foreign Minister Tajani, the diplomatic-consular network, and the Italian system as a whole.”
Ambassador Massari also noted the exceptionally high number of co-sponsors — 165 Member States — describing it as evidence of Italy’s ability to build broad support “on the issue of peace.”
He praised the Italian Mission’s work, stating:
“On a personal note, I would like to highlight the extraordinary work of Italy's Permanent Mission to the United Nations, which has enabled us to achieve this remarkable milestone.”
Massari added that throughout the negotiations, Italy remained open to diverse perspectives and sought compromise while safeguarding Italy’s priorities and the identity of the Milano–Cortina Games — centered on sport for peace, sustainable development, community engagement, gender equality, and environmental responsibility.
ONEST Context: A Remarkable Achievement Amid Wars in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan
Today’s consensus adoption is not business as usual.
In November 2023, the Olympic Truce resolution for the Paris 2024 Games did not pass by consensus. Russia and Syria broke consensus and forced a recorded vote, citing political disagreements — a significant departure from past practice.
That vote exposed the fragility of multilateralism and the difficulty of securing global unity even around symbolic peace initiatives.
This makes today’s consensus for Milano–Cortina 2026 even more notable.
Despite simultaneous wars affecting Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, and other regions, UN Member States chose to collectively reaffirm the symbolic value of the Olympic Truce — a commitment rooted in ancient tradition and adopted by the UN every two years since 1993.
Italy’s successful facilitation reflects:
skilled diplomacy
cross-regional engagement
and the ability of the Milano–Cortina Games to serve as a platform for peace, even in turbulent times
What Happens Next
The Olympic Truce officially applies from January 30, 2026 through March 22, 2026 — covering the full Olympic and Paralympic cycles.
Italy will now work with the IOC and Member States to promote and uphold the values of the Truce.
With over 165 co-sponsors, this resolution stands as one of the most broadly supported in Olympic Truce history.
