UN envoy urges nations to unite behind Olympics

Special: 2022 Winter Olympics

Siddharth Chatterjee, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in China, has stressed the importance of countries uniting behind the upcoming Beijing Winter Olympics, as he expressed support from the UN system in China for the country's hosting of the event.

"At a time when the world is battling against the COVID-19 pandemic, solidarity and friendship among nations have never been more important," the UN's top envoy in China said in a recent interview. "I am confident that the athletes and people of China will put their love for sports on full display during next year's games."

The International Olympic Committee, the organizing committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, and the Chinese government have made it clear that preparations for the Games are in the final stages and are being carried out in a safe and orderly manner, he said.

"I support the adherence to all relevant public health measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic," he said.

"It will also be critical for all (UN) member states to observe the Olympic Truce, and ensure the safe passage, access and participation of athletes, officials and all other personnel taking part in the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games," he said.

On Dec 2, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on "Building a peaceful and better world through sport and the Olympic ideal". It voiced the expectation that the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games will be "a meaningful opportunity to harness the power of sport to advance the world by fostering an atmosphere of peace, development, resilience, tolerance and understanding", Chatterjee said.

Earlier this month, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres accepted an invitation from the IOC to attend the Games.

"Collaboration between the IOC and the UN has played a central role in spreading the acceptance of sport as a means to promote mutual understanding, friendship, tolerance, nondiscrimination, and achievement of the (UN) Sustainable Development Goals," Chatterjee said.

Regarding China's role at the Olympics, he said that the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing are "a prime example of how the Games can affect a society", as the Chinese government took actions to "improve the lives of people with disabilities and protect their rights as equal members of society".

For the upcoming event, the UN Volunteers along with the UN Development Programme will take part in an innovative project to promote sustainable urban development through volunteer services, he said. "The UN family in China is ready to show its support and play its part in ensuring the success of these upcoming Games," he added.

Chatterjee is known for his love of yoga, and photos of him doing yoga exercises and running have been occasionally posted on social media networks. "As a frequent runner, I also must attest to the improvements in air quality now enjoyed by Beijing residents," he said.

He said China is also seeing a surge in noncommunicable diseases and conditions such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension. "We will work closely with the government of China to achieve its vision of a Healthy China by 2030. I will lead by example," he said.