To: IOC Honorary President IOC Members IOC Honorary Members IOC Honour Members Presidents and Secretary Generals of the National Olympic Committees Presidents and Secretary Generals of the International Olympic Summer, Olympic Winter and Recognised Sports Federations New York, 13 November 2017 Dear Colleagues and Friends, Dear Presidents and Secretary Generals, In a strong sign of confidence of the Member States of the United Nations in the upcoming Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018, the UN General Assembly by consensus of all Members States today adopted the resolution “Building a peaceful and better world through sport and the Olympic ideal”. The resolution calls on the nations of the world to uphold the Olympic Truce for the time of the Olympic Winter Games. The first operative clause of the resolution specifically asks the Member States “to ensure the safe passage, access and participation of athletes, officials and all other accredited persons taking part in the Olympic Winter Games and Paralympic Winter Games.” This specific call is especially important, given the time and place of these Olympic Winter Games. The adoption of this Olympic Truce resolution gives confidence to all athletes of the world that they can compete in peace in PyeongChang. This consensus for the Olympic Truce resolution included both the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea as well as the future hosts of the Olympic Games, Japan, the People’s Republic of China, France and the United States of America. It 2 shows that the Olympic Games, and the values they stand for, are more relevant than ever. In our fragile world, the Olympic Games bring the world together in peaceful competition, giving us hope for a better future. Our thanks and gratitude go to Government of the Republic of Korea and PyeongChang 2018 Organising Committee under the leadership of its President Lee Hee-beom. The resolution is a result of their tireless effort, dialogue and engagement with all the Member States, building consensus and support. I trust that you will join me in applauding the adoption of this important resolution and remain, Yours sincerely,
