The Olympic Games: Bridging cultures for peace

Sports have always been known for their impact, which extends beyond the field. They have the power to unite people, empower communities, and inspire individuals.

What event embodies the spirit of sports more than the Olympics?

The Olympic Games go beyond just an athletic competition. They are a platform to celebrate culture, resilience, and peace. With millions of viewers and thousands of athletes worldwide, the Olympics provide an opportunity to inspire and allow people and cultures to share their stories. Through the Games, we can witness the full potential of sports to bring people together.

Before we explore the defining moments that showcase how the Olympic Games foster peace, let's first examine the broader role of sports in promoting peace.

A platform for peace

According to the United Nations (UN) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), sports can promote social inclusion, healthy lifestyles, and peaceful societies. In 2015, sport was recognized as an “important enabler” for sustainable development in the UN’s Agenda 2030.

In this regard, the IOC developed the Olympic Agenda 2020 to create a roadmap that highlighted the role of the Olympics in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Olympic Agenda 2020 has shaped the direction of the Olympic Games to ensure they positively impact society. This includes using the Olympics to foster peace and promote social inclusion (SDG 16), and promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles (SDG 3), among others.

Building on this foundation, let's explore some of the most significant historical events where the Olympics have played a crucial role in promoting peace and unity.

The formation of the Truce

When discussing the role of the Olympic Games in promoting a peaceful and inclusive society, it all begins with the Olympic Truce.

Restored by the IOC in 1992, the "Olympic Truce" is a concept in the modern Games designed to promote peace and understanding. This Truce is essential as it facilitates peace and cultural exchange by ensuring safe travel for athletes, artists, and fans during the event. Its goal is to leverage the Olympics for conflict resolution and fostering dialogue.

Before each Olympics, the UN General Assembly adopts a resolution supporting the Olympic Truce, urging nations to resolve conflicts peacefully. The IOC collaborates with the UN to reinforce this message, highlighting the Olympics as a tool for peace and diplomacy. It encourages countries to prioritize diplomacy over conflict, showcasing the possibility of peaceful coexistence even during global tension.

The ideology of the Olympic Truce has been reflected in various events such as the joint Korean hockey team during the 2018 Winter Olympics.

The 2018 Korean Hockey Team

At the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) and Republic of Korea (South Korea) made history by playing on the same team in the women’s ice hockey competition.

Due to the Korean War that started in the 1950s, North Korea and South Korea have been separated for decades. In the months leading up to the 2018 Winter Olympics, the political situation on the Korean Peninsula was very tense. However, after extensive breakthrough dialogues, it was announced that athletes from North Korea would compete in the Olympics, and their women’s ice hockey team would join South Korea to play under one flag for the very first time.

The unified Korean team marched together during the opening ceremony under one Korean Peninsula flag. Despite their different backgrounds, the athletes worked together to overcome language barriers and varied training styles, using interpreters and making extra efforts to build trust and camaraderie as a foundation.

Even though they faced tough competition from much-experienced opponents and did not win any matches, the team’s perseverance and spirit were widely praised. The joint Korean hockey team at PyeongChang showcased how the Olympics can bridge opposing cultures for peace. It reminded the world that despite political tensions, common human values can prevail.

35 athletes. 2 nations. 1 team.

The First Olympic Refugee Team

Besides the joint Korean Ice Hockey team, there is also another team that symbolizes peace and unity at the Olympics: The 2016 Olympic Refugee Team.

The Refugee Olympic Team, established by the IOC and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), serves as an inspiration to millions of refugees and raises awareness of the global migrant crisis. Refugees have the opportunity to compete at the highest level, showcasing their talents and strength despite their hardships.

The team made its debut at the 2016 Rio Olympics, with ten athletes from Syria, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They marched in the opening ceremony waving the Olympic flag. These athletes, including swimmer Yusra Mardini from Syria, who once swam for hours to push a sinking boat of fellow refugees to safety, and marathon runner Yonas Kinde from Ethiopia, who sought asylum in Luxembourg, showed more than just their athletic ability. South Sudanese runners, like Rose Nathike Lokonyen, spent years in refugee camps, training with limited resources and enduring harsh conditions, yet her resilience led her to the biggest sporting stage.

In Rio, the Refugee Olympic Team achieved significant milestones. Mardini won her heat in the 100m butterfly. Runner Anjelina Lohalith, who fled South Sudan, competed in the 1500m race. In the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, the Refugee Team expanded to 29 athletes competing in 12 sports. Among them was Kimia Alizadeh, a Taekwondo athlete from Iran. She is the first female athlete from Iran to win an Olympic medal before seeking asylum in Germany. At Tokyo 2020, she defeated two-time Olympic champion Jade Jones in the Round of 16 and reached the semi-finals.

This historic team demonstrates that, regardless of circumstances, individuals can achieve greatness and inspire others, symbolizing the potential for sport to unite people and contribute to a more peaceful and inclusive society.

Looking ahead to Paris 2024

As the Paris 2024 Olympics begin, we have the opportunity to witness new initiatives and impacts that demonstrate how the Games can promote peace. While we watch over 10,000 athletes compete in 329 events, let's also embrace the convening power of sports and the Olympics in fostering unity and driving positive change in society.

Written by Amirtya Soerakoesoemah