UN Photo / Eskinder Debebe

Ban Ki Moon carried the Olympic flame through central London today, as part the traditional torch relay leading up to the Olympic Games.

Donning a white tracksuit with the five intertwining Olympic rings on the front, the Secretary-General ran 200 meters through the district of Westminster, while waving and smiling at the crowd that had gather to see Ban – and the flame – pass by.

 UN Photo / Eskinder Debebe

The torch in his hand was lit in Olympia, Greece, and was on its way to Buckingham palace. The flame will stay lit for the duration of the Games and symbolizes purity, as well as highlighting the link between the ancient Games in Greece and those being held around the world nowadays.

Ban is expected to attend the opening ceremony on Friday, which starts at 9 pm local time. His presence is meant to be a reminder of the Olympic Truce, a period of peace throughout the world for the Duration of the games.

 UN Photo / Eskinder Debebe

The UN resolution, signed in October 2011, urges all member states “cooperate with the International Olympic Committee and the International Paralympic committee, in their efforts to use sport as a tool to promote peace, dialogue and reconciliation in areas of conflict during and beyond the Olympic and Paralympic period.”