The announcement was made during a ceremony after Joyce led a group of young women, women’s rights actors, women in sport, ambassadors, government ministers, and UN officials on a guided walk in the Chouf mountains. UN Special Coordinator Joanna Wronecka congratulated Ms. Azzam on her appointment as UN Women goodwill ambassador.  “As demonstrated by her life, achievements, and proven commitments, I have no doubt that Joyce will keep working to advance gender equality in Lebanon. Women’s role in promoting, serving and empowering other women is key to raise awareness, advocate for gender-sensitive and inclusive behaviors and build sustainable changes in our societies”, the Special Coordinator said. For his part, the UN Deputy Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Imran Riza, warmly welcomed Ms. Azzam thanking her for the inspiration she provides as a role model for youth in Lebanon and elsewhere. “Our work on women’s rights, gender equality and women empowerment will benefit greatly from her support”, Mr. Riza said.  “We are delighted to have Joyce join us in our pursuit to achieve equality between men and women in Lebanon. She is an inspiration for a generation of girls who want to climb to new heights in their personal and professional lives. We look forward to two years of action and achievements with Joyce - something that she has always shown us – to inspire and drive change for equality and equal rights”, says Rachel Dore-Weeks, UN Women representative in Lebanon while announcing the partnership.” Born with Hypermobility Syndrome during Lebanon Civil War, Joyce Azzam was the first Lebanese woman, and one of only a few Arab women, to climb all Seven Summits of the world. She is currently working to undertake the full Explorers Grand Slam in its long-distance version, something only a handful of women have achieved. “I am grateful and honoured to be appointed as UN Women’s first National Goodwill Ambassador for Lebanon. This appointment shows UN Women’s continued commitment to women and girls in the country and across the region and world, and I am very proud to play a part in furthering this work”, says Joyce in her statement during the event.  Talking about her plans Joyce adds, “In my role I intend to connect with different communities across Lebanon, advocating to influence people to support women and girls, and to promote women’s rights. Together with UN Women, I will draw attention to the priority issues for women’s empowerment and gender equality both in sports and in other sectors. I invite the Government of Lebanon, and others from both civil society and the private sector, to join us in our journey towards a more equitable society for that is the way toward progress and prosperity.”

To mark the successful completion of the project, H.E. Przemysław Niesiołowski, Ambassador of Poland to Lebanon, and Taina Christiansen, Head of the UN-Habitat Lebanon Country Programme, visited the three public facilities and met with firefighters in their duty stations. The project entitled “Improving living conditions by promoting renewable energy in public and non-profit social and health institutions in the Greater Beirut metropolitan area,” funded by Polish Aid, was implemented by UN-Habitat and Polish Centre for International Aid (PCPM). It installed solar panels on three public facilities in Greater Beirut: Bachoura Fire Brigade and the Lebanese Civil Defense facilities in Jdeide and Bourj Hammoud, providing them with access to renewable energy while lighting surrounding streets to ensure safety, security and uninterrupted emergency response and operations. “We value the support that the Embassy of Poland and UN-Habitat are providing to Lebanese cities and public facilities, enabling them to remain operational during these difficult times. As fire brigade and civil defense centres are at the forefront of emergencies, supporting their abilities to respond to emergencies enhances people’s safety,” said Judge Marwan Abboud, Governor of Beirut. “In continuation to the fruitful cooperation of Polish Aid with UN-Habitat in funding successful projects in Lebanon, Poland provided additional financial contribution with the aim of promoting renewable energy in the Greater Beirut area. In 2022-2023, through funding from Polish Aid, UN-Habitat and PCPM implemented a project of installation of photovoltaic systems on the rooftops of three fire stations. Independent, renewable power sources will make the operations of the brave firefighters more efficient in providing various services to the benefit of local communities. We are proud to mark the completion of the project today,” said H.E. Przemysław Niesiołowski, Ambassador of Poland to Lebanon. ‘‘With the newly installed sustainable energy system, our firefighters will continue to succeed in their missions, and the facility as well as the surrounding streets have now access to 24 hours of uninterrupted power supply. We are grateful for Polish Aid and UN-Habitat’s contribution, allowing for better response in rescue missions to protect the people of Lebanon,’’ said Colonel Maher El Ajouz, Chief of the Beirut Fire Brigade centres. The Head of the Training Department in the Civil Defense, Mr. Nabil Salhani, representing Brigadier General Raymond Khattar, Director General of the Civil Defense, said: "This project has contributed to enhancing the service of firefighters working in the Jdeide and Bourj Hammoud centres, and has motivated them to continue to perform their humanitarian and national duties - reflecting positively on the security and safety of residents. The Directorate of Civil Defense commends this valuable initiative, achieved thanks to UN-Habitat, that is working towards a  bright pollution-free future for our country.’’ ‘’As Lebanon continues to endure multi-faceted crises, it is our duty as UN-Habitat, to stand by its cities and public facilities to mitigate the negative impacts on its people. We are glad to see how this project is facilitating the preparedness of firefighters within the three centres to prevent, counter and respond to emergencies at any time.’’ said Ms. Taina Christiansen, Head of the UN-Habitat Lebanon Country Programme. ‘’As climate change is affecting all cities around the world, it is the right time to start investing in renewable energy solutions for a better urban future,’’ she concluded. Since its establishment, UN-Habitat Lebanon has been working effectively with partners and urban planning actors at the community, national and international levels to develop and implement programmes and interventions across the country that contribute to making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. -ENDS- About the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) UN-Habitat works in over 90 countries supporting people in cities and human settlements for a better urban future. Working with governments and local partners, its high impact projects combine world-class expertise and local knowledge to deliver timely and targeted solutions. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development includes a dedicated Goal on cities, SDG 11 – to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

The campaign launch initiated a multi-level dialogue about women’s housing, land, and property rights in Lebanon while highlighting the importance of protecting these rights. The event offered an opportunity for women who have had their HLP rights safeguarded, to share how this has empowered them and ensured the socio-economic wellbeing of their families and communities. During the event Ms. Claudine Aoun, president of NCLW, said: ‘’Today, we look forward to have an evolution in mentalities and practices, so that our daily lives become more in line with the principles we hold, and for the prevailing culture in our society to be a living culture inspired by our contemporary life, and not by experiences lived by our ancestors and which belong to times completely different from ours. Hence our call to update the laws governing our lives of which the personal status laws, including the special provisions on inheritance.  Therefore, we call that there be in Lebanon a unified civil law for personal status that equalizes the rights recognized for women and those for men, in everything related to managing their lives and their personal and family lives.” “Improving women’s housing, land, and property rights in Lebanon is absolutely essential. By ensuring these rights, the socio-economic development opportunities and wellbeing for families and communities can significantly improve, at all income levels. The protection of women’s housing, land and property rights contributes to the realization and enjoyment of a wide range of human rights such as the right to an adequate standard of living, adequate housing, health, work, and education.’’ said Taina Christiansen, Head of UN-Habitat Lebanon Country Programme. During the event Ms. Randa Abboud, Public Notary, Treasurer, Executive Board Secretary and Member of the Gender Based Violence Committee and the Legal Committee at NCLW, provided a legal review of women's housing, land, and property rights in Lebanon through available data and legislation. Professor Ghada Jumblatt, a member of the executive board at NCLW Executive Office, moderated the discussion session on the challenges for implementing women’s housing, land and property rights in Lebanon. The Women and Land Campaign in Lebanon is in line with the NCLW’s coordination role in the implementation of the National Action Plan for the execution of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security, namely on women economic empowerment and is also part of the regional campaign launched by UN-Habitat in partnership with the Global Land Tools Network (GLTN) on housing, land and property rights for women in the Arab region. It is part of UN-Habitat’s mandate to achieve a better urban future for all, and by the partners of the Stand for Her Land Campaign, including the World Bank, the International Land Coalition, Landesa, and Habitat for Humanity. As a key outcome of the event, a set of recommendations on the way forward will be generated, capturing a series of action-oriented advocacy suggestions made during the discussion. These commitments are to women in Lebanon, policy-makers, and relevant stakeholders, concretizing the importance of ensuring HLP rights for women in urbanization and planning, for the future well-being of all those living in Lebanon.   About the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) UN-Habitat works in over 90 countries supporting people in cities and human settlements for a better urban future. Working with governments and local partners, its high-impact projects combine world-class expertise and local knowledge to deliver timely and targeted solutions. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development includes a dedicated Goal on cities, SDG 11 – to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

VAWG remains the most widespread and pervasive human rights violation worldwide affecting more than an estimated 1 in 3 women0F[1] a figure that has remained largely unchanged over the last decade1F[2] .The most recent global estimates show that, on average, a woman or girl is killed by someone in her own family every 11 minutes.2F[3] This year, the United Nations system in Lebanon, with partners are implementing a campaign that aims to serve as a call to action to mobilize partners, stakeholders, individuals, and the public at large to engage in activism to prevent violence against women and girls. Articulated around the theme, “UNITE! Activism to End Violence against Women & Girls”, it invites everyone to be an activist by taking a public stand against VAWG in local communities, and through joining women’s rights movements and activists.  “We call on women to live free from fear. Any assault on their dignity is punishable, even if it was committed by a close relative. The security forces protect women affected by violence and filing a complaint against the perpetrator of violence will deter further abuses. Keeping silent about violence at home, is not a virtue", said Mrs. Claudine Aoun, President of the National Commission for Lebanese Women. “We all have a duty to act to end all forms of gender-based violence, particularly against women. The 16 days of activism are a reminder that we should not be silent to such a violation of women’s basic right to live in dignity, free from violence and fear”, said Ms. Joanna Wronecka, the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon. “Lebanon’s recovery and building a better future for the country and its citizens depends to a large extent on empowering women and giving them the space to enjoy their full rights as active partners in society. The United Nations stands ready to support Lebanon in this process”, the Special Coordinator added.   The campaign, which will run for 16 days, from 25 November till 10 December, consists of a social media campaign - with the #16days and   #سوا_ضد_العنفhashtags- showcasing 16 men, women and girls from all walks of life across Lebanon standing in solidarity with women’s rights activists, supporting feminist movements and calling for engagement in activism to prevent and end VAWG. It will include a video and a series of social media posts calling for everyone’s commitment to protecting women and girls. Women’s rights activism and advocacy are key to ending VAWG and have successfully generated important legislative protection gains throughout the last decade, in Lebanon, while strengthening service delivery. Activism and advocacy have contributed to putting this topic on the political agenda, to strengthening laws and policies, essential services and prevention strategies. “Ending Gender-based violence requires the commitments and actions of all”, said Imran Riza, United Nations Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident, and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon. “It is fundamentally wrong that harmful gender stereotypes and norms, structural inequality, and discrimination are still affecting women and girls in Lebanon. This requires transformative actions by all of us to stamp out and prevent this violence” he added. The international campaign 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence originates from the 1991 first Women's Global Leadership Institute and raises awareness and increases momentum toward ending violence against women and girls worldwide. In support of the civil society–led, 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence campaign the UN Secretary-General’s UNiTE by 2030 to End Violence against Women campaign (UNiTE), launched in 2008, calls for global action to increase awareness, galvanise advocacy efforts and share knowledge and innovations to end VAWG once and for all. _______________________________________ The United Nations system in Lebanon comprises 30 agencies, funds and programmes as well as a peacekeeping mission, a political mission and a regional commission that cover a broad spectrum of peacekeeping, political, development, human rights and humanitarian work in Lebanon. The United Nations supports Lebanon to promote the country’s long-term peace and security, development and human rights priorities. The National Commission for Lebanese women (NCLW) is an official institution established by law at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers in 1998 with the aim of promoting the status of women and ensuring equal opportunities for women and men.  Its General Assembly is composed of personalities who are known for their activities related to women's affairs and is chaired by the woman delegated by the President of the Republic. The Commission carries out consultative functions at the Presidency of the Government and public administrations and institutions, as well as liaison and coordination functions with various administrations, institutions, public, community and civic organizations and Arab and international organizations. The Commission also performs various executive functions, including the formulation of strategies and plans. The Gender-Based Violence  Working Group (GBV WG) comprises  UN agencies and national and international NGOs, women organizations dedicated to carry out GBV activities in Lebanon alongside MOSA and other relevant government authorities. It aims at supporting a comprehensive and coordinated approach to GBV, including prevention, care and support, and efforts to allow survivors to access justice. The GBV working group also prioritizes life-saving activities and gap-filling as well as enhancing predictable and effective prevention, risk mitigation and response. The group, chaired by UNFPA, UNHCR and MOSA contributes to a shared vision and integrated strategies among humanitarian stakeholders to better address GBV through a survivor-centered and rights-based approach The Gender Working Group (GWG) in Lebanon, chaired by UN Women, is a strategic forum and advocacy platform to promote gender equality and the integration of gender considerations in humanitarian-development-peace (HDP) actions of the United Nations and their partners in Lebanon. The GWG regularly convenes both international and national actors from across sectors to facilitate action on gender equality and women’s rights. The Gender Working Group is made up of 42 members (UN agencies: 19, INGOs: 6, and NGOs: 17); 15 member states collaborate with the group in an observatory status capacity. This group is complementary to the Gender Donor Working Group, chaired by the Government of Canada in Lebanon.   Media Contacts: Roula Rached, Communications and Advocacy Specialist, UN Women, phone number: + 961 70351088 Micheline Elias Massaad, NCLW Executive Director, phone number:  + 961 3 452 570 Pamela Di Camillo, Humanitarian/GBV Coordinator, United Nations Population Fund, Phone number: +96176482273   [1] Across their lifetime, 1 in 3 women, around 736 million, are subjected to physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner, non-partner or both (Violence against Women Prevalence Estimates), however, this figure would be even higher if it included the full continuum of violence that affects women and girls including sexual harassment, violence in digital contexts, harmful practices and sexual exploitation. [2] WHO (2021) Violence against Women Prevalence Estimates [3] UNODC (2021) Killings of women and girls by their intimate partner or other family members. Global estimates 2020