BEIJING (Reuters) - United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres defended his organization’s commitment to the Olympic Games on Saturday, stating that it was important for nations to convene in Beijing as conflict brew around the world.
Following a meeting with IOC president Thomas Bach a day after the official opening of the Beijing Winter Games, Guterres said the Games’ message of solidarity was important.
“When we see so many conflicts around the world, we see the absolute importance of having Olympic Games in which all nations are represented, even if there are some who are in a war situation.
“To have them all here and to demonstrate that peace is possible, that unity is possible, and that solidarity is possible,” says the United Nations.
After awarding the Games back in 2015 to China, some nations, including the United States and the United Kingdom, have ruled on a diplomatic boycott of the games in Beijing due to the country’s human rights record.
The Olympics are also held under the sun of a potential military conflict between Russia and Ukraine, as well as tensions between China and Taiwan.
“I believe that we need more than ever the message of unity and solidarity that is the message of the Olympic Games,” Guterres said.
“In a moment when we see so many expressions of populism, so many expressions of racism, so many expressions of xenophobia, anti-Muslim hatred, it’s a great message,” Guterres said.
The Games are held until February 20th.