Watch: Sanctuary Runners launch Global Solidarity Run at UN in support of displaced people

Ireland's ambassador to the United Nations Noel White with mission staff who took part in Friday morning's run by Lake Geneva to launch the Global Solidarity Run.

The Sanctuary Runners, the Irish solidarity-through-sport movement, is urging the public to join its new project, designed to show solidarity for those living in forced displacement and extreme poverty.

The Global Solidarity Run, which takes place on October 19, aims to see one million people join together across the globe, either running, walking or jogging.

The initiative was officially launched on Friday during an international conference on displacement hosted by the UNHCR in Geneva and attended by delegates from almost 40 countries, including Ireland.

The run is backed by the Department of Foreign Affairs as one of several initiatives to mark the 50th anniversary of the Irish Aid programme.

The ambitious project is also supported by the Ireland Funds and worldwide sporting software platform Strava.

This morning’s launch was attended by the Ambassador of Ireland to the United Nations, Noel White.

Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Seán Fleming, described the Global Solidarity Run as an opportunity to mark the great work Irish Aid has done with displaced people and those living in poverty over the last five decades.

“For 50 years, Irish Aid has been working with partners around the world to create a more equal, peaceful and sustainable world. To mark this anniversary, Irish Aid is supporting the Global Solidarity Run,” he said.

Graham Clifford, founder and head of international development with Sanctuary Runners, who was in Geneva on Friday for the launch, said the run will see people across the world take part in a “unique moment” to express their support for creating a better world.

“The support of Strava means people can take part virtually wherever they are but we will have organised runs too — including amongst our network of 40 Sanctuary Runner groups in Ireland,” he said.

“We will start the day’s events on the Pacific islands of French Polynesia and work westwards, through Australia, Asia, Africa, Europe, and onto the Americas and we will track the day in real time online, sharing images from across the globe. 

"It will be one team running, jogging, walking or rolling together on one day.” 

To find out more about the Global Solidarity Run visit: Ireland.ie/globalrun