This bulletin reviews the impact of the global financial crisis on international migration from and to the Arab region. Starting with an overview of the crisis and the resulting challenges and opportunities for the region, it then reviews lessons learned regarding the impact of wars and previous financial crises on international migration. To this end, the bulletin sets out three cases: the 1973 oil crisis, the 1990-1991 Gulf war and the Asian financial crisis of the late 1990s.

This booklet, published on the occasion of the organization’s 40th anniversary, provides an overview of ESCWA’s work and achievements since its establishment in 1973.

The Arabic term zaatar designates a variety of aromatic perennial plants typically harvested from the wild, which generally belong to the Origanum, Thymus and other genera of the Lamiaceae (mint) family. The term zaatar is also used to designate the different herb mixes, which in addition to the zaatar herb, usually include such other traditional ingredients as grilled sesame seeds, sumac fruits (Rhus coriaria L.) and salt. Each country possesses its own zaatar mix recipe with specific proportions of ingredients.

A fundamental principle of the United Nations Charter is equal rights for men and women. It is increasingly recognized that meaningful development and lasting peace cannot be achieved without the elimination of discrimination against women.