Press release

11 Feb 2015

Beirut

ESCWA Marks World Day of Social Justice, Lebanese Star Sings “Al Sharq Al Azeem” in Celebration

twitter social icon linkedin social icon facebook social icon mail icon

Under the auspices of Lebanese Minister of Social Affairs Rashid Derbas, ESCWA observes the World Day of Social Justice at 10:00 AM on Friday 20 February 2015, at the UN House, Riad El Solh, Beirut. The World Day of Social Justice at ESCWA will open with statements by Minister Derbas, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of ESCWA Rima Khalaf, and Executive Director of the Arab NGO Network for Development (ANND) Ziad Abdel Samad. The message of the United Nations Secretary-General will also be read during the opening. This event is held in cooperation with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Arab NGO Network for Development (ANND). Highlights of this year’s celebration include artistic and cultural activities that focus on such issues as justice, equality and participation, which are the basis of the social justice concept. These activities are spearheaded by the performance of the song “The Great Orient” (“Al Sharq Al Azeem”) by Global Network for Rights and Development's goodwill ambassador singer Carole Samaha. The schedule of the celebration also includes “Scheherazade’s Diaries”, a short film by actress and director Zeina Daccache that highlights the suffering of certain marginalized communities in the Lebanese society followed by an open discussion the key messages of the film, and selected graffiti works that focus on social justice, by Yazan Halwani (Lebanon), Murad Subay (Yemen) and EgyNeMo (Egypt). The commemoration activity closes with two statements by Director of UNESCO Regional Office in Beirut Hamed Al Hammami, and Director of ESCWA Social Development Division Frederico Neto. The master of ceremony during the World Day of Social Justice will be Lebanese media figure Zahi Wehbe. Since its proclamation in 2007, this annual observance has represented an important opportunity to support efforts in poverty eradication, the promotion of full employment and decent work, gender equality and access to social well-being and justice for all. In the Arab region specifically, the heightened demands for justice, freedom and dignity require national and regional stakeholders to seize this opportunity to advance ideals that uphold the values of social justice, equitable development, democracy, freedom and human dignity. These values and principles are consistent with and have dominated ongoing regional and international debates on the post-2015 development agenda and the proposed Sustainable Development Goals within the UN system and at the global level. * *** * Media institutions wishing to send representatives to cover this event are kindly requested to confirm their attendance by Wednesday 18 February 2015 on the numbers below, to facilitate their entrance into the UN House,: Ms. Maryam Sleiman +961-03-910 930, Ms. Mirane Abi-Zaki +961-76-04 64 02 Please direct your emails to: escwa-ciu@un.org Tweets and updates of ESCWA events can be found on: @ESCWACIU, and https://facebook.com/unescwa
ESCWA - Shared Prosperity Dignified Life
Our vision

ESCWA, an innovative catalyst for a stable, just and flourishing Arab region.

Our mission

Committed to the 2030 Agenda, ESCWA’s passionate team produces innovative knowledge, fosters regional consensus and delivers transformational policy advice. Together, we work for a sustainable future for all.

Get the latest updates from ESCWA direct to your inbox.
arrow-up icon
Feedback