According to the United Nations,
it is not acceptable to separate people based on their differences.
Last year,
the World Economic Forum invited me to participate in a debate in Japan.
The purpose was to discuss
how the next Olympic games can improve their social impact.
At the end of the debate, the moderator asked me:
"Rodrigo, what do you think Tokyo can change in this sense in 2020?"
Summarizing my answer,
I truly believe that the complete separation in the games
between Olympic and Paralympic
is incompatible with the concept of an inclusive society.
What kind of message do we sent to the world,
segregating people based on the existence of a disability?
Besides,
the act of putting out the fire of the Olympic pyre
and then, weeks later, lighting the Paralympic pyre
just reinforces this negative message.
Considering that the Olympic games are a huge show case,
broadcast to billions of people,
I would like to make a proposal for Tokyo.
Changes in history demand symbols.
So, I propose that in Tokyo we use the same torch, the same pyre,
and most importantly,
that we keep the flame lighted between both games.
I believe that's how the Olympic games will make a magnificent step
in representing equality among human beings.
Thank you.
(Applause) (Cheers)