Press release
2 Mar 2017
Beirut, Lebanon
ESCWA Adds Bold Notes to 2017 International Women’s Day
Jean Ogassapian, who previously addressed audiences at ESCWA, will deliver his first speech as Minister for Women’s Affairs; Magida El-Roumy will convey a key note; and ESCWA Executive Secretary Rima Khalaf will make her final official statement before the end of her tenure on 31 March.
The ceremony starts at 10:30 am with a televised message by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, and is moderated by renowned Lebanese actress Takla Chamoun. The event features an exquisite musical performance by prominent singer Umaima Al-Khalil, escorted on the piano by musician Hani Siblini. Also, theatre writer and performer Raeda Taha presents scenes from her latest play “Who is like you, Thou Ali" directed by Lina Abyad.
For the occasion, a large canvas will be placed at the entrance of the UN House for participants to write down their relevant thoughts and pay tribute to this significant day. The final product will be displayed among other artworks offered to ESCWA in the building.
Side events include an artwork exhibition by Katya Traboulsi provided by Saleh Barakat Gallery, as well as a handicrafts trade fair organized in collaboration with the Blessing Foundation, and the display of “678”, an Arabic movie on violence against women.
A roundtable discussion is also organised in cooperation with UN Women. Moderated by TV anchor Dima Sadek, the roundtable presents the inspirational stories of several pioneer women in public life and the business sector from Lebanon and the region, namely Randa Bdair, Assistant General Manager at Audi Bank; Rima Al-Hussaini, founder and director of Blessing Foundation; Roula Htait, pilot at Middle East Airlines; Maya Bikhazi, entrepreneur and restaurateur; and Katya Traboulsi, assemblage artist.
Media institutions and representatives wishing to cover this ceremony are kindly requested to confirm their attendance before Monday 6 March 2017 on the numbers below in order to facilitate their entrance into the UN House:
Ms. Mirane Abi-Zaki +961-76-04 64 02; email: abi-zaki@un.org
Ms. Rania Harb +961-70-963761; email: harb1@un.org
For more ESCWA news, please visit:
Website: www.unescwa.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/unescwa Twitter: @ESCWACIU
