In observation of the international women’s day in 2016, ESCWA organized four events to commemorate the day under the global theme of “Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step it Up for Gender Equality”. The first event was held in partnership with the Institute for Women’s Studies in the Arab World (IWSAW) at the Lebanese American University (LAU). The commemoration was held on Thursday 10th of March 2016 with the presence of social, academic, and representatives from the diplomatic crops, international organizations and civil society.