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Italian FM Tajani: ‘We are building peace’ through the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano–Cortina
Italy is making the 2026 Winter Olympics a centrepiece of “sports diplomacy”, framing the Milano–Cortina Games as a platform for peace, innovation and long-term development, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said in an interview published on 6 February 2026.
2026 Winter Olympics as soft power and an economic legacy
Tajani said Milano–Cortina 2026 will be a major global event, bringing 3,500 athletes from more than 90 countries to compete in 304 events, with an estimated worldwide audience of three billion people. He also said the opening ceremony would welcome around 50 Heads of State and Government.
Beyond sport, he argued the Games represent “development, innovation and a forward-looking vision”, citing an estimated economic impact of €5.3 billion and a lasting legacy in infrastructure and territorial development. In his framing, that legacy is also diplomatic: the Games are intended to strengthen Italy’s international positioning through soft power.
A ‘diffuse’ Olympics across northern Italy
A key political message, Tajani added, is that for the first time the Winter Games will be organised in a “diffuse” format: centred on Milan and Cortina while involving wider territories including Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige, tied together by a sustainability and inclusion agenda.
He also pointed to the scale of participation behind the scenes: around 18,000 volunteers, plus a diplomatic task force designed to bring together young officials, institutions and local communities.
An integrated sports diplomacy strategy
According to Tajani, Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has backed the arrival of the Games with an integrated strategy launched two years ago, including the creation of an Office for Sports Diplomacy and an international roadshow across Europe, North America and Asia involving athletes, media and businesses.
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano–Cortina are shaping up to be more than just a major sporting event; Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani emphasizes that they’re also a platform for building peace and promoting sports diplomacy on a global scale. The Games aim to foster values of respect, inclusion, and unity, supported by initiatives like the United Nations Olympic Truce resolution to encourage peaceful relations during the event. While the world looks forward to this inspiring message of harmony, I also came across https://casinohex.co.za/online-slots/sirens-spell-habanero/ , which highlights how online gaming continues to offer engaging and entertaining experiences for many people worldwide.