Charlize Theron stuns at Olympics with a call for global peace and unity

From AC Milan's streets to the Olympic stage, her voice resonates louder than ever. A speech that fused personal history with a bold vision for humanity.

, and ASMedia

2026 February 7 . 9:18 AM

1 min read

The image shows a man standing at a podium in front of a projection screen, wearing a blazer, tie,... — The image shows a man standing at a podium in front of a projection screen, wearing a blazer, tie, and shirt. On the podium is a microphone, and to the right of the man are two flags with poles. In the background, there are curtains and a banner with text and a map, suggesting that the man is giving a speech at the National Seapower Symposium.

She Calls for Peace at the Olympics - Charlize Theron stuns at Olympics with a call for global peace and unity

Charlize Theron made a surprise appearance at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony. The actress delivered a powerful speech calling for peace and unity, echoing the event's themes of global harmony. Her words drew on the legacy of Nelson Mandela, the late South African leader and Nobel laureate.

Theron has long been tied to AC Milan, having lived there at 17 while starting her modelling career. Her connection to the city added personal weight to her message on the Olympic stage.

The actress has spent decades advocating for peace and human rights. In 2008, the United Nations named her a Messenger of Peace, a role she still holds. Through this position, she has campaigned against domestic violence, testified before the US Congress in 2011 on violence against women, and supported UN projects in Botswana focused on women's and children's rights.

Her activism extends beyond speeches. In 2007, she founded the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP), which works to protect young people in southern Africa from HIV/AIDS while improving their access to education and safety. She has also joined global efforts like HeForShe and initiatives combating sexual violence in conflict zones.

This isn't her first involvement with the Olympics. Last year, she co-hosted a pre-event for the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics alongside tennis legend Serena Williams.

Theron's appearance at the Milan-Cortina ceremony highlighted her ongoing commitment to peace and equality. Her work—through the UN, her foundation, and public advocacy—continues to address domestic violence, health, and education for vulnerable communities. The speech reinforced her reputation as both an artist and a dedicated humanitarian.