As part of the Journey of the Olympic Flame, Rondine Cittadella della Pace was chosen by the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation to be the protagonist of the December 10th stage, the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
On this occasion, two Rondine students from peoples once in conflict—Viktorija, Serbian, and Bind, Kosovar—carried the Flame of the Olympic Truce through Arezzo, symbolizing their commitment to coexistence and the creative transformation of conflict.
Their presence responded to the Foundation’s intention to identify in each city a “torchbearer of peace,” a representative of civic values and intercultural dialogue.
The date of December 10th also recalled Rondine’s strong commitment to human rights, which in 2018 brought the organization to the United Nations for the launch of the global Leaders for Peace campaign, still supported today by Italian and international institutions.
Viktorija and Bind live and study in the World House of Rondine, together with young people from war-torn contexts. Their daily experience of dialogue, coexistence, and exchange is a concrete example of how transforming relationships between “enemies” is possible and generative.
Their journey as torchbearers reflected the spirit of the Olympic Truce: demonstrating that sport can become a bridge, a common ground capable of fostering reconciliation and cooperation.
Supported by the United Nations, the Olympic Truce calls for the suspension of hostilities during the Games. The Journey of the Flame, lit in Olympia on November 26th, is among the main projects through which Milano Cortina 2026 promotes this message, highlighting local witnesses and peace-building initiatives across the territories.