The 2016 theme for International Women's Day 2016 is "Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step it Up for Gender Equality."

UNFPA will continue pushing the health and rights agenda through 2030, when the Sustainable Development Goals are to be achieved, and beyond, until all women and girls everywhere are on an equal footing with men and have the power and the means to exercise their basic human rights.

• From the Glass Ceiling to a Carpet of Shards: United Nations's Secretary-General's Message
• Step It Up for Gender Equality : Statement by UNFPA’s Executive Director

The UN will observe the day by building momentum for the effective implementation of Gender Equality principles and targets of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Asia-Pacific Regional Commemoration of IWD 2016 is being organized by UNESCAP and UN Women, with support from UNFPA Asia-Pacific and other partners.

When: 8 March 2016, 10:30 - 12:00 hours

Where: UN Conference Centre - CR-3, UNESCAP, Rajdamnern Nok, Bangkok 10200

Live Webcast: ow.ly/Z3CCA

Programme:

1. Video: "Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step it Up for Gender Equality"

2. Keynote Address: Dr Shamshad Akhtar, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary, ESCAP

3. Interactive Dialogue: Challenges, Gaps and Opportunities in Achieving Gender Equality and the Sustainable Development Goals

Participants:

H.E. Dr Seree Nonthasoot, Representative of Thailand to the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights

Noelene Nabulivou, DiVA Pacific

Dr Tinsiri Siribodhi, Deputy Director, Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Secretariat

Sokhan Oum, Land Rights Activist, Cambodia

Chloe Reynaldo, Philippine Youth Activist, Y-PEER, on sexual and reproductive health and rights

Saowalak Thongkuay, Thailand, Coordinator, Abilis Foundation Mekong, on women with disabilities and inclusiveness

Moderator/Closing Remarks: Anna-Karin Jatfors, UN Women Asia and the Pacific

Note to media: If you wish to attend, please register in advance by providing your name, affiliation and a passport-size photo to scas@un.org in order to facilitate entrance to the UN Conference Centre.

For further information, please contact:

Katie Elles, Public Information Officer, Strategic Communications and Advocacy Section, ESCAP: +66 948 152 536 / elles@un.org

Montira Narkvichien, Regional Communications Specialist, UN Women Asia and the Pacific: +66 816 688 900 /monitra.narkvichien@unwomen.org

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UNESCAP: http://www.unescap.org / www.facebook.com.UNESCAP / @UNESCAP

UN Women Asia and the Pacific: http://asiapacific.unwomen.org / @UNWomenAsia / #Planet5050 #IWD2016

UNFPA Asia-Pacific: http://asiapacific.unfpa.org / www.facebook.com/UNFPAAsiaPacific / @UNFPAAsia