Cairo, 27 October – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) joined the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Food Program (WFP) to mark the occasion of World Food Day 2017 with a RUN organized by the renowned group Cairo Runners, on October 27.

The event, which saw the participation of athletic communities from all around Cairo, included Egyptians and migrants alike running together. However, the event was not just for the die-hard athletes. Among the troves of runners were parents with their children, first-time runners, and others simply hoping to get some exercise in a joyful environment.

Running alone is one thing. Running with a full squad from different backgrounds, communities, and cultures, is something else. In this light, IOM took the opportunity to enhance community cohesion in Cairo by extending an invitation to migrants and Egyptians from communities around the capital, as well as IOM staff.

During the event, IOM distributed T-shirts with the hashtag #ONECOMMUNITY, and more than 1,000 bracelets made by migrants sporting beads spelling out ‘ONE RUN’ and ‘ALL 4 ONE.’

IOM joined the organization of the RUN under the framework of the European Regional Development and Protection Program (RDPP) – North Africa, funded by the European Union, which seeks to enhance protection for displaced populations and create socio-economic development opportunities.

This initiative is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3 “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages” and 10 “Reduced inequalities.” It also contributes to the realization of a “fair, integrated society that is characterized by […] equality in economic and social opportunities” as envisioned in Egypt’s Sustainable Development Strategy: Vision 2030.