ESCWA celebration of the World Day of Social Justice

ESCWA, in cooperation with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization office in Beirut (UNESCO) and the Arab NGO Network for Development (ANND), organized a special event to commemorate the World Day of Social Justice, on Friday, 20 February 2015 at the United Nations House in Beirut.

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 influenced ongoing regional and international debates on the post-2015 development agenda and the proposed Sustainable Development Goals.

The 8th observance of the World Day of Social Justice was commemorated with a cultural/artistic programme presented by the poet and TV Host, Mr. Zahi Wehbe. It entailed a musical performance by the acclaimed artist Ms. Carol Samaha, a screening of a documentary entitled "Scheherazade's Diaries" by actress and drama therapist, Ms. Zeina Daccache, and concluded with short testimonies and graffiti exhibition by the talented young artists; Yazan Halwani (Lebanon), NeMo (Egypt) and Murad Subay (Yemen). (see programme attached).

This was held under the auspices of H.E. Mr. Rashid Derbas, the Lebanese Minister of Social Affairs and gathered high-level government officials from Lebanon, representatives from ESCWA member and non-member countries, civil society organizations and think-tanks, in addition to experts in the social, economic, political, health, humanitarian and environmental fields. Representatives from UN agencies and offices in Lebanon and regional development organizations were also present. The ceremony received wide media coverage and was promoted live on ESCWA twitter account (@ESCWACIU) and ESCWA Facebook page. Photos of the event can be downloaded from https://www.facebook.com/unescwa. A video of the event is also available in three parts on the following You Tube links:  Part 1: http://bit.ly/1DJLm5Q; Part 2: http://bit.ly/1AmRIW1; Part 3: http://bit.ly/1EmE1It.