Together for the 2024 Paris Games values

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) takes the initiative to endorse the values enshrined in the 2024 Games in Paris, from the civil society perspective.

In today's fragile geopolitical landscape, where conflict and political turmoil rage across Europe and in other parts of the world, the EESC is symbolically raising the idea of the truce during the celebration of the games, reflecting the three original values of "excellence, respect and friendship".

These values have evolved over time and are now expressed in more contemporary terms championing the slogan "There is more that unites us than divides us". Organised civil society has advocated for the spirit of building a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport practiced without discrimination of any kind, requiring mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play.

Oliver Röpke, EESC President said: "The Games embody the spirit of unity and peace, transcending borders and bringing people together from all walks of life. In these challenging times, we must embrace and promote the sport values of excellence, respect, and friendship. By advocating these values, we hope to inspire a global movement towards peace and solidarity, demonstrating that a better world is possible through mutual understanding and cooperation."

Laurenţiu Plosceanu, EESC Vice-President for Communication said: "With this initiative we would like to endorse the sport values which remain timeless. As Nelson Mandela said, sport can create hope where once there was only despair. The values we are defending have the power to change the world and unite people and countries in a way that brings peace and harmony, where respect and friendship prevail".

Krzysztof Pater, EESC Vice-President for Budget, said "The Paris Games show that everyone has the right to be part of this great sports celebration without discrimination, having equal opportunities and equal treatment. Persons with disabilities are a powerful example to audiences across the world, highlighting the values of courage, determination, inspiration and equality".

The Games in Ancient Greece introduced the idea of the " Truce" in the ninth century BC, a signing of a treaty to stop conflicts among Greek city-states and to allow safe participation in the ancient Games.

Dimitris Dimitriadis, former EESC President and President of the EESC's External Relations section commented "The truce, or "Ekecheiria" in the original Greek, now appears more timely than ever. In view of the upcoming Games in Paris, we need to revive and put into practice the idea of the " truce" as hope to inspire humanity, promote peace and dialogue and cease hostilities. If we can have peace for 16 days then we could try to have it forever!".

Giulia Barbucci, former EESC Vice-President for Budget and EESC member, said: "For the first time in history, there will be equal participation between men and women in the Paris Games. It is a great achievement, but we must remember that parity in participation is not equality and there is still a lot to do on this objective in sport, as with all other aspects of women’s life".

Isabel Caño Aguilar, former EESC Vice-President for Communication and EESC member, said: "At the Paris Games, running the fastest, jumping the highest or being the strongest is not always the most important thing. The Games starting on 28 August are a celebration, where 4,400 athletes, women and men with disabilities, will represent the values of equality, integration and diversity. My wish is for all categories of disability to be fairly represented, with the right to compete and be protected, especially including people with intellectual disabilities, who also deserve more sporting opportunities. Without athletes, there would be no sport. Let the Games begin!