Opinion: Paris Olympics Should Spur Greater Openness and Unity

The 2024 Paris Olympics, held under the motto “Games Wide Open,” exemplifies France's romance, deep cultural heritage, unique artistic temperament, and dedication to “liberty, equality, and fraternity” [para. 1]. Athletes, artists, sports officials, and tourists from around the globe, regardless of background, unite for this first post-pandemic Summer Olympics, marking a remarkable achievement in event staging and fostering a spirit of unity reminiscent of a harmonious global past [para. 1].

This is Paris’ third time hosting the Summer Olympics, its first since 1924 [para. 2]. Beyond a major sports event, the Olympics serve as a festival of intercultural exchange fostering mutual understanding and trust [para. 2]. Though not everyone may find the Paris Olympics perfect, its inherent meaning and value remain undiminished [para. 2].

Unity is a key aspect of the modern Olympic spirit, echoed in the updated Olympic motto “Faster, Higher, Stronger - Together,” amended in 2021 to address global challenges and promote unity amid adversities like the Covid-19 pandemic [para. 3]. This amendment in 2021 marked a significant call for unity, responding to widespread challenges [para. 3].

The global financial crisis of 2008 highlighted the need for unity, yet recent years have seen reduced macro-policy coordination and rising unilateralism, fragmentation of international trade systems, and protectionism [para. 4]. Instead of accusations, the focus should be on setting aside grievances to promote multilateralism, addressing common human challenges, with China stressing international unity for its major national tasks [para. 4].

The global challenges are myriad, including geopolitical turmoil, notably the Russia-Ukraine conflict and Israeli-Palestinian strife [para. 5]. The Paris Olympics face significant security concerns, with aid from about 45 countries, underscoring the preciousness of peace and security, aligning with the Olympic pursuit of peace [para. 5]. Pierre de Coubertin viewed sport as a civilized version of warfare averting disasters while benefiting humanity [para. 5]. The IOC and the UN General Assembly emphasize the Olympic truce, urging peace during the Games, echoed in a joint statement by Chinese and French leaders [para. 5].

China’s efforts to mediate and foster peace align with the Olympic spirit, reflected in recent reconciliations and the welcoming of Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba by China [para. 6]. These actions embody the Olympic ethos of promoting peace and cessation of hostilities [para. 6].

The pursuit of peace and development is central to the Olympics; winning gold is secondary [para. 7]. The Olympic Village’s “Olympic Truce Wall” sees athletes advocating for peace, with the refugee team reminding the global community of the unity needed amidst war trauma [para. 7]. Nonetheless, some athletes face online death threats, highlighting ongoing tensions [para. 7].

Trade wars and high-tech embargoes further disrupt fair competition, mirroring social disruption akin to war [para. 8]. Additionally, international collaboration on climate change has waned, with friction in some areas eroding cooperation in others [para. 8]. Long-term friction and confrontation yield no benefits [para. 8].

History affirms that war and conflict resolve nothing; only equal dialogue and peaceful negotiation can [para. 9]. The Paris Olympics showcase athletes from diverse countries embracing and performing acts of kindness, offering the international community a metaphorical playbook for pursuing openness, enhancing solidarity, and seeking peace and development for a better future [para. 9].