President of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (PGA) Abdulla Shahid has stated the Olympic flame is a symbol of tolerance, solidarity and hope. He made the remarks after carrying the flame during the Olympic torch relay to open the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing, China.
After running with the torch, PGA Shahid said he was privileged to have the honour of carrying the flame, noting the Olympics represent the best of the best coming together to compete graciously, to accept winning with humility and defeat with graciousness. He also compared the work of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to that of the United Nations (UN) by saying the Charter of the United Nations was established to maintain international peace and the IOC provides the best opportunity for peace by providing a platform for people of all nations, irrespective of their differences.
PGA Shahid said Olympic athletes from around the world advance the cause of peace through their interactions by coming together in harmony and he encouraged more young men and women to come together and provide the energy that is needed for the promotion of peace. He also called on everyone to come together to cherish the Olympic ideals of friendship, respect and excellence.
The Olympic flame travelled through all three Olympic competition zones on its way to the opening ceremony. The IOC stated around 1,200 individuals participated in the Olympic torch relay, which included Olympians and other prominent individuals, as well as front-line healthcare workers, teachers, and students.
The Olympic torch also visited the Great Wall of China, the Summer Palace and other notable sites on its way to the grand finale cauldron-lighting.