Cork initiative and Irish run with a global message
A Cork initiative has sent out a global message and united diplomats in the EU capital for a solidarity run recently.
EU Commissioner Michael McGrath joined Irish diplomats and European Commission colleagues in Brussels last week to back the Global Solidarity Run, an ambitious Irish project with truly global reach.
The event is the creation of Cork-based not-for-profit Sanctuary Runners. This global movement sends a powerful message of solidarity — that Europe stands shoulder to shoulder with all those forced to flee war and hardship, at a time when some seek to demonise migrants and those seeking safety.
Commissioner McGrath led a 5km walk and run through Parc du Cinquantenaire in central Brussels.
He said: “By walking together with the Sanctuary Runners, we send a powerful message of solidarity — that Europe stands shoulder to shoulder with refugees, asylum seekers, and all those forced to flee war and hardship. This global movement, born in Cork and now spreading across the world, unites people through friendship, respect, and shared humanity. In every step we take, we uphold the values at the heart of the European Union.”
The Global Solidarity Run encourages people everywhere to run, jog, walk, or roll any distance on Saturday 11 October. Now in its second year, the initiative is supported by Irish Aid, the European Commission, and the Ireland Funds. Communities will take part in locations as diverse as the Solomon Islands, rural Brazil, Palestine’s West Bank, and across Africa.
Sanctuary Runners’ founder and head of international development, Graham Clifford, said solidarity with people facing enormous challenges is more important than ever.
He said: “This is an opportunity for people to step up and show, through their actions, that they want to see a world in which every single human life is valued equally. To push back against divisive rhetoric and misinformation designed to instil suspicion, mistrust and fear of the other. To harness the collective will of people to say to leaders and those in positions of power that we demand policies and strategies which focus on the treatment of human beings, not other factors. To drop the labelling and politicising of the most vulnerable and step up for all in pursuit of a fairer, more just world. To run as one.”
Mr Clifford also met with representatives from Commissioner for Equality Lahbib’s cabinet, stressing the importance of a compassionate and humane approach to community integration across Europe.
Neale Richmond, Irish Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, added his voice ahead of the run. Speaking from the UN General Assembly in New York, he said too many countries are cutting funding for the world’s most vulnerable at a time of unprecedented need.
“At the UN General Assembly and elsewhere, Ireland is loudly calling for solidarity and cooperation to be at the heart of the international system. The Global Solidarity Run is a fun and positive way people around the world can join that call. Around the world, people will take part in the Global Solidarity Run on 11 October to make their voice heard.”