Middle East

Context/ Rationale People have been increasingly moving into cities, voluntarily seeking new economic opportunities or escaping forcibly from mounting political conflicts or unprecedented natural disasters. Associated with this development is the overwhelming demand for affordable urban housing, adequate jobs, quality health care, education services, social protection and other basic services in cities. Arab cities were among the world’s top destination of migrants and displaced, owing to a...

Context and Objectives On the occasion of the International Migrants Day, the panel of distinguished economists will discuss the significance of cross-border migration in facilitating development and the WBG’s responses to date. Panelist will speak on the potential role of multilateral and regional institutions in addressing the opportunities and challenges posed by migration and explore innovative ideas to promote the developmental impacts of migration in the sending and receiving...

Context and Rationale   Over the past six years, nearly 5 million people have fled the conflict in Syria and sought refuge in neighboring countries in the Middle East region such as Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey. This massive exodus is causing multiple traumas (due to the conflict, the exile, the marginalization of the refugees, domestic violence, etc.) which increase the vulnerability of the populations, host and refugee. Addressing these traumas is key for the stability of host...