The 14th New Life Family Walkathon was held at the Olympic Park on May 13, 2012, with the slogan, “A Rainbow of Hope for Tuvalu!” The purpose of this event was to help Tuvaluan climate refugees who are struggling for survival due to global warming.
This walkathon was hosted by the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation and sponsored by Seoul Metropolitan Government, Korean Ministry of Environment, Korean National Committee of International Union for Conservation of Nature [IUCN], United Nations Environment Programme [UNEP] National Committee for the Rep. of Korea, and Sejong General Hospital. Numerous people, including Honorary Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah, directors, Sponsor Chairman Lee Soon-jae, PR Ambassador Kim Seong-hwan, 12,000 members from the WeLoveU, distinguished guests from different fields such as diplomatic delegates in Korea, and residents attended the walkathon.
Tuvalu in Catastrophe Due to Submersion
Tuvalu is the first country on the verge of vanishing from Earth due to sea level rise caused by global warming. Recently, the country declared a national emergency due to the scarcity of drinking water resulted from drought. To make matters worse, it is difficult for the residents to move to other countries. In the opening speech, with a heartfelt voice, Honorary Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah informed the participants of the desperate situation in Tuvalu. She also encouraged all participants, saying that everyone should take responsibility as neighbors living together on the earth. H.E. Margaret Clarke-Kwestie the Ambassador of Ghana to Korea thanked the WeLoveU Foundation for inviting her to this important and meaningful event, saying, “I was moved to see many people unite to help a country that is suffering due to climate change.”
Distinguished figures from overseas sent congratulatory video messages. President of Kiribati Anote Tong, which is an island nation in danger of submersion, said, “Although the rising of sea level due to climate change is serious, many people are not aware of the situation.” Vice President of World Bank Rachel Kyte and UN Environment Programme Spokesperson Nick Nuttall supported WeLoveU members, saying, “The walkathon to help climate refugees is great and wonderful.”
The tri-service honor guard and the military band of Korea Ministry of Defense also celebrated this walkathon. The tri-service honor guard in charge of national events received a standing ovation for its great disciplined demonstration. The commander of the honor guard said, “Just as you give happiness, joy, and hope to others through volunteer services, we are also proud of giving such joy to citizens. The purpose of today’s event is excellent, and you’re doing good work for our country, too.”
“Let’s Start for Tuvalu!”
The walkathon started with the announcement, “Start!” by Honorary Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah. The posters, which were displayed along the 2.5 km [1.6 mile] course, reminded the participants of the environmental and climate refugees through the messages, “Don’t drive. Please walk.” “Shout 26°C (78.8°F: optimal indoor temperature in summer),” and “Pull the plug out of the socket.”
The members walked joyfully, talking about the serious environmental problems with their families. Various events were prepared: an informational photo exhibition of the situation in Tuvalu, “Coin Bank of Hope” Collection, Climate Refugee PR, Eco-friendly Experience, and many more. Participants learned more about environmental issues and sought the specific ways to cope with climate change. They also resolved to make efforts to build a low-carbon green society from then on.
Not Another’s Affair but Ours
“Whenever I think of the suffering that the climate refugees in Tuvalu are going through, I feel like it is happening to all of us. I ask you to take every step, wishing for a bright future of Tuvalu. The crisis of Tuvalu is the crisis of Earth. Let us pray for the bright and hopeful future of Tuvaluans who are our neighbors.” Honorary Chairwoman of the WeLoveU Foundation Zahng Gil-jah
As Chairwoman said, the crisis of Tuvalu is not another’s affair but “mine” and “ours.” Some members said, “Through this event, we come to be aware of environmental issues. Since climate change is applicable to all people on Earth, all of us should participate in environmental protection with one mind.”
Their warmheartedness was contained in the notes on the message board and in coin banks piled up in front of the stage as well. WeLoveU will continue to give a helping hand without turning away from the pain of our neighbors so that a new rainbow of hope can rise for the future of Tuvalu and humankind.