Italy has announced its plans to propose an international ceasefire, or an “Olympic truce,” during the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics. This proposal is planned to be formally presented to the United Nations later in 2025. The Foreign Minister of Italy has stated that Italians aim to be “champions of peace.” This initiative is drawn from the ancient Greek tradition of suspending all wars during the Olympic Games.
Italy’s vision for the 2026 Olympics: Global truce and diplomacy
Italy will submit its ceasefire resolution to the United Nations General Assembly before 2026. Vice President of the Council of Ministers of Italy and Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, has stated that the proposal is an act of moral responsibility, as the nation is hosting the 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympic Games.
“We want the Olympic Games to be remembered as a moment of unity” – Antonio Tajani
The plan has been labeled as a diplomatic move, rather than a legal matter. The truce is built on the ancient Greek tradition known as ekecheiria,ย where global conflicts would be paused so that athletes could participate safely.
Ukraine and the Middle East are noted as core conflicts in Italy’s proposal
Italy’s global ceasefire proposal echoes the United States of America’s 20-point plan for Gaza and regional stability. Both the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza have been highlighted, with the ongoing humanitarian crises and conflicts having widespread international ramifications.
Italy’s ceasefire proposal draws from major global conflicts and diplomatic efforts over the past two years, specifically mentioning the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Israel-Hamas conflict. The following timeline outlines the events leading up to the Olympic ceasefire:
- October 7, 2023 – Approximately 1,200 Israelis were killed in an attack launched by Hamas.
- October 2023-2025 – Israel countered the attack from Hamas, escalating the conflict in Gaza and resulting in 67,000 Palestinian deaths.
- 2024-2025 – Gaza’s humanitarian crisis prompts international involvement, calling for a ceasefire and aid delivery.
- 2024 (Paris Olympics) – Failed proposal for an Olympic truce, thus wars in Ukraine and Gaza continue despite the global event.
- Early 2025 – The United States of America calls for a permanent ceasefire, introducing a 20-point peace plan.
- Mid-2025 – Italy expresses support for the U.S. plan, making its goal for peace diplomacy clear.
- September 2025 – Antonio Tajani states that the country intends to present a United Nations (UN) resolution calling for a worldwide Olympic ceasefire.
- Ongoing 2025 – Despite multiple peace talks, the Russia-Ukraine war continues with no formal ceasefire.
- Late 2025 – Explicitly naming Ukraine and the Middle East, Italy finalizes its draft ceasefire proposal.
- Early 2026 – Ahead of the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics, the UN expects to debate Italy’s proposal.
An Olympic truce – historical legacy and modern obstacles
The Olympic truce, as mentioned above, is a historical endorsement by the United Nations that has been observed before the Olympic Games since 1993. The 2024 Paris Olympics were also accompanied by ceasefire proposals; however, no proposals were heeded, and no major modern conflict has ever paused due to the longstanding Greek truce.
The enforcement of Italy’s proposal will depend on international coordination. The United Nations and the International Olympic Committee are expected to assist in this coordination. The success of this truce will be reliant on the support from UN member states, but it will also boost Italy’s international standing. Although the truce is more a symbolic move than a direct action, the truce will test Olympic diplomacy in today’s modern geopolitics.
The global ceasefire proposed by Italy underscores the intersectionality of sports and diplomacy and highlights Italy’s commitment to symbolic peace advocacy. Regardless of whether the proposal is a success, Italian officials emphasize that the truce may not stop wars, but that peace “begins with even the smallest gestures.” Italy’s initiative will undoubtedly strengthen Italy’s position as a mediator in the international relations realm.