Yokohama hosts 16th Annual WFP Charity Walk to fight child hunger

The Certified NPO UN World Food Programme Association celebrated the 16th annual “WFP Walk the World” event in Yokohama’s Minato Mirai on Sunday, May 14. This year saw a significant increase in participation, with 3,728 individuals joining the charity walk— an increase of approximately 1,100 participants from the previous year.

The event, which takes attendees on a tour of Yokohama’s landmark spots, including the Red Brick Warehouse and Yamashita Park, aims to combat hunger among children in developing countries. A portion of the participation fee is donated to the UN WFP’s school meal initiative. This year, the event raised a total of 3,504,800 yen, translating to meals for an estimated 116,826 children.

Hiroki Ando, president of the UN WFP Association, expressed gratitude during the opening ceremony, saying, “School meals support the independence of children. I deeply thank you all for your participation.”

Mayor Takeharu Yamanaka of Yokohama City echoed Ando’s sentiments, praising the ongoing collaboration between Yokohama City and the UN WFP towards global peace and stability. He added, “Today, I want to share this sentiment and, together with everyone here, walk in prayer for world peace, stability, and the eradication of hunger.”

The event also saw a special mention from His Excellency Korkut Güngen, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Turkey. He expressed gratitude towards Japan for its swift support following the earthquake in Turkey and lauded the UN WFP as a significant organization that has offered immense aid.

A fundraising initiative for emergency support for the earthquake in Turkey and Syria was conducted at the venue, raising a total of 61,528 yen.

Globally, the number of individuals facing hunger is estimated to be as high as 828 million, with many children unable to receive adequate nourishment. School meals provide not only necessary nutrition but also boost children’s concentration and future potential, playing a significant role in mitigating poverty and disparity.