Erbil, Kurdistan Region – Iraq (KRG.org) – The United Nations’ World Food Programme today held its annual ‘Walk the World’ event for the first time in Erbil, capital of the Kurdistan Region. The event is a campaign to combat hunger and deliver assistance to children and vulnerable populations.

Governor of Erbil Mr Nawzad Hadi emphasised the importance of Walk the World, which was held in many countries today as well as in the Kurdistan Region. He said “Ensuring the well-being of children in the Region and throughout Iraq is of the utmost importance, and we are proud to support this cause.”

Mr Jean Yves Lequime spoke on behalf of the World Food Programme (WFP), outlining the difficulties many still face in meeting basic needs, of particular concern to children and vulnerable populations. He thanked everyone for participating in the Walk the World event, the proceeds of which will help feed school children throughout Iraq. Mr Lequime thanked the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) officials for promoting the event with enthusiasm, expressing his hope that the campaign would continue to grow year by year.

In a speech that was delivered on his behalf at the event, Minister Falah Mustafa Bakir, the Head of the KRG Department of Foreign Relations, said, “The youth in the Kurdistan Region and throughout Iraq deserve a bright and prosperous future. The support of the international community, including the United Nations and its Agencies, is essential in this regard. The value added by ensuring education for our children is long-lasting and fundamental to our development.” He added, “Both the KRG and the federal Ministries of Education will certainly benefit from the assistance provided today.”

Walk the World is an annual event to raise money and awareness for the World Food Programme’s global efforts to fight child hunger and malnutrition. Corporate partners, goodwill ambassadors, goverments and NGOs in many locations walk together to show their solidarity for the campaign. This year Walk the World coincides with the beginning of the FIFA World Cup.