We were invited to attend the opening ceremony of the International Conference "Ensuring the centrality of gender equality and women's empowerment - post 2015 " in Haifa this week.
There is much talk about the lack of recognition of Israel in the corridors of the UN, yet this conference showed how much support Israel has. The conference is sponsored by MASHAV, Israel's agency for international development in conjunction with UN Women and UNDP (development progress).
In addition 4 other UN agencies were present and representatives from 33 countries. It was inspiring.
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| The entrance to the ceremony wit flags of participating countries. |
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| Awaiting the arrival of the diplomatic delegations |
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| Sierra Leone's representative |
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| The Diplomats arrive |
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| The Druze community is represented, of course |
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| The official invitation |
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| Mazal Renford, MASHAV's director |
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| Entertainment provided by Bat-Shir Choir of the Haifa Symphony Orchestra |
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| Keynote address by Dr Babatunde Osotimehin Executive Director, UN Population Fund UNFPA |
