In collaboration with Intelligence Squared Greece (IQ2) and the International Olympic Truce Centre, we're proud to present a highly topical debate on one of the most crucial questions of our times: How do we achieve peace?

In 2000, the International Olympic Committee and the Greek government revived the ancient institution of the Olympic Truce with the establishment of the International Olympic Truce Centre, which is committed to upholding the Olympic Truce and to serving peace, friendship and international understanding.

Last October, the United Nations passed a resolution to uphold the Olympic Truce, declaring their intention not to engage in conflicts and wars during the London Games. For the first time all 193 member states of the UN signed the resolution for the Olympic Truce.

And yet the Olympic Truce has not been upheld by some countries. In fact, hostilities in Syria and other parts of the world continued to intensify throughout the Games and are still raging today.

Are ideals enough to inspire people – and eventually states – to behave peacefully? Can the Olympic Truce lead to peace or at least create the conditions for peace? Or perhaps peace can only be achieved by enforcing compliance?

Speakers for the motion

			Lord Bates, Member of the House of Lords (completed the Walk for Truce from Olympia to London)
			Peter Economides, brand strategist, Founder and President of Felix BNI

Speakers against the motion

			Athanasios Platias, Professor of Strategy, Head of the Department of International and European Studies, University of Piraeus
			Maria-Daniella Marouda, Lecturer in International Law, Panteion University

Moderator

Nikos Andritsos, Journalist

The debate will be in English with simultaneous interpretation into Greek. The audience can ask questions in Greek or English.

Admission is free following reservation.