Syria Roundtable: Strengthening Local Administration for a Sustainable Future

In response to the rapid changes occurring in Syria, VNG International recently hosted a roundtable discussion on the future of local governance in the country. The event, centered around the principle of “Not about us without us,” brought together a diverse group of Syrian experts to explore the crucial role that local governance plays in Syria’s recovery, stability, and long-term development.

As Syria continues to experience ongoing political shifts, the conversation aimed to identify the ways in which local administrations can support rebuilding efforts and contribute to sustainable growth. Experts discussed the most pressing challenges facing Syrian communities and how local councils can step in to address these challenges effectively. Among the top priorities for communities, economic recovery was highlighted as a major concern, with job creation and income opportunities seen as essential to rebuilding the livelihoods of citizens.

Also, safety and security were identified as critical for daily life, with citizens emphasizing the need for stability in order to rebuild their communities. Participants underlined the importance of the impact of economic sanctions, and the need to end them and secure financial support for municipalities to enable them to function effectively. Strengthening local services and ensuring transparency in governance were also seen as vital components for improving the quality of life for Syrians.

During the roundtable, participants also explored the role that local councils and administrations can play in overcoming these challenges. One key focus was the importance of capacity building, as experts noted the need to bridge gaps caused by years of isolation. To achieve this, investing in training and development for local administrators was seen as an essential step. Furthermore, the importance of tailoring governance to regional differences across Syria was emphasized, with the understanding that local solutions need to be adapted to specific community needs. Some participants pointed out the necessity of fostering greater cooperation between local councils and non-governmental organizations, to improve service delivery and ensure that citizens’ needs are being met. The conversation also touched on the importance of developing leadership programs and citizen engagement initiatives, which would encourage greater participation and transparency in local governance. Also, for modernizing the administration and boosting publiic trust, leveraging digitalization was identified as an important strategy.

The insights gathered during the roundtable will help inform future strategic approaches and guide funding opportunities for projects that aim to create lasting positive change in Syria’s local governance. VNG International extends its sincere thanks to all participants for their valuable contributions. Their expertise and dedication will play an instrumental role in shaping a future of inclusive and effective governance in Syria, and we look forward to continuing these critical discussions.