The ceremony opens with remarks by UN Under-Secretary-General and ESCWA Executive Secretary Rima Khalaf, and Vice President for Student Development and Enrollment Management at the Lebanese American University (LAU), Elise Salem. Guest speakers at this year’s ceremony will be Good Will Ambassador for the UN Environment Programme in the Arab Region, Lebanese singer Ragheb Alama, and Lebanese artist and actress Nadine Al Rassi.

The opening ceremony includes a live performance by LAU creative arts students entitled “Hayda Mesh Film Masri,” directed by Lina Abiad. A video entitled “Change is in Her Hand” will also be played for the audience. 

The celebration also includes a musical performance by singer Faya Younan, and a photo exhibition on Violence Against Women, by photographer Nijad Abdul Massih.

A display of food products, by Souk El Tayeb and of Palestinian Embroidery, by Artist Souad Amin-Jarrar will take place throughout the celebration. 

ESCWA Communication and Information Unit (ECIU) kindly requests that media colleagues who would like to cover the celebration should confirm their attendance by contacting: 
ESCWA Communication and Information Unit (ECIU) on the following number/email: 
Ms. Mirane Abi-Zaki +961-76-04 64 02, abi-zaki@un.org. 
Please direct your emails to: escwa-ciu@un.org

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