Marrakech – Morocco welcomed the Global Solidarity Run on Saturday morning, October 25, at Dar Essalam Forest in Rabat. This marked the debut appearance of this worldwide initiative in the North African country, bringing together diverse communities in a display of unity and compassion.
The Embassy of Ireland in Rabat spearheaded the organization of this inaugural Moroccan edition, working in conjunction with UNHCR Morocco and receiving support from Tibu Africa, their partners, volunteers, and members of the refugee community.
The event attracted approximately 100 participants representing 20 embassies, four United Nations agencies based in Rabat, and various local organizations.
The Global Solidarity Run stands as a worldwide initiative that unites people from all backgrounds to run, jog, or walk in solidarity with those facing forced displacement and extreme poverty. The concept emerged when asylum seekers and refugee-hosting communities in Ireland connected through their mutual appreciation for athletic activities.
Currently, the Global Solidarity Run receives backing from Irish Aid, The Ireland Funds, and the European Commission. This month, communities across 75 countries participated in this collective demonstration of compassion and unity.
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Michael D Higgins, President of Ireland and Patron of Sanctuary Runners, described the run as “a magnificent shared act of human empathy, reminding us of what binds us – our common humanity and our collective hope for a fairer, more compassionate world.”
“It was a huge honour to join with UNHCR, Tibu, their partners and the refugee community, as well as many friends and colleagues in the diplomatic community, to highlight the message of the Global Solidarity Run: solidarity, friendship and respect, one step at a time,” said Ambassador Helena Nolan.
Sport as a universal language of unity
The timing of the event carried additional significance, as it took place the morning after celebrations commemorating the 80th anniversary of the United Nations on UN Day. This timing “served to reinforce the importance of coming together in solidarity and friendship across nationality, race, culture and creed, to build our common future,” noted Ambassador Nolan.
Muriel Juramie, Acting Representative of the UN High Commissioner in Morocco, spoke about the unifying power of sport. “Sport has the power to unite us all – regardless of our differences, our origins, or the reasons we left our countries, whether by force due to war and persecution, or by choice in pursuit of work or new opportunities. It strengthens bonds between the communities and paves the way towards social inclusion,” she said.
Mohamed Amine Zariat, President of Tibu Africa, conveyed the significance of their involvement. “Through our participation in the Global Solidarity Run, we wanted to bring to life the values we stand for every day: solidarity, inclusion, and living together. The young people of Tibu Africa who took part in this event were not just participants; they were carriers of a message of hope and fraternity,” he stated.
He added, “By running alongside refugees, diplomats, and citizens, they embodied a Moroccan youth that is open to the world, capable of uniting differences and building bridges through sport.”
An event uniting hearts across continents
On the global stage, the worldwide run began in the early hours of Saturday, October 11, in the Solomon Islands and progressed westward until concluding on the Pacific islands of French Polynesia. The international event saw participation from diplomatic missions of Ireland, organizations, clubs, and individuals across 100 countries.
In Dublin’s Herbert Park, a substantial gathering including refugees, asylum seekers, locals, ambassadors, and diplomats assembled to run and walk together. This Irish event was co-hosted by the European Commission Representation in Ireland.
Neale Richmond, Minister of State for International Development and the Diaspora, welcomed participants in Dublin, saying: “Showing support and solidarity for people in displacement and poverty is central to Ireland’s work around the world.”
“At a time of unprecedented humanitarian need, Ireland is bucking the trend globally by continuing to increase its investment in development and humanitarian aid,” he continued.
“This week, we confirmed that Ireland’s aid budget will increase by €30 million in 2026. That is a real sign of our enduring commitment to standing in solidarity with those left furthest behind. I want to thank everyone around the world who is taking part in the Global Solidarity Run today,” he went further, framing the announcement as a tangible extension of Ireland’s global compassion.
Graham Clifford, founder of Sanctuary Runners, the Irish not-for-profit movement that organizes the event, expressed gratitude for the support received in this second year of the run. “And we want to keep growing it so that next year we have more participants in more countries making an even bigger and louder statement of solidarity,” Clifford remarked.
The Embassy of Ireland in Rabat extended sincere thanks to all participants, volunteers, partners, and authorities who facilitated the event, helping to make this first edition of the Global Solidarity Run in Rabat a noteworthy success.
