Pilot programme launched to support local governance in Syria

Years of conflict and arbitrary governance have weakened local institutions across Syria, disrupting services and undermining public trust. As the level of government closest to communities, local administrations are often the first institutions residents rely on to restore essential services and respond to urgent local needs. A recent motion by Van der Werf in the Dutch House of Representatives emphasized the need to strengthen local governance as a key condition for stability and community protection. Building on more than twenty years of experience in the Middle East and the Levant, VNG International is currently preparing a pilot programme to support local governments in Syria.

A gradual and practical pilot approach

Given the complex and evolving situation in Syria, the programme is designed as a pilot with a phased and flexible approach. Initial activities will focus on small, visible improvements that directly benefit communities and help local administrations regain operational capacity.

The programme focuses on three connected areas:

• strengthening the role and functioning of local authorities;
• improving essential local service delivery;
• rebuilding trust between citizens and local administrations.

Together, these efforts aim to create safer and more stable local environments.

Learning from local partners

In December, VNG International carried out an exploratory mission in the region to better understand the needs of local administrations and explore cooperation opportunities with national and local authorities. The mission focused on practical questions such as restoring services, supporting reconstruction and enabling safe and sustainable return. Representatives from the Syrian municipalities of Daraya, Harasta and Jaramana also joined a learning event organised through the SDLG Lebanon programme. Together with international partners, they exchanged experiences on local recovery challenges and shared examples of ongoing local initiatives.

Dialogue with Dutch and Syrian stakeholders

Following roundtables held in April, VNG International organised further discussions in November and February with Dutch organisations, diaspora representatives and academics. The exchanges explored transparency, inclusion and cooperation approaches, and are informing the development of a realistic and locally anchored pilot programme. Special attention was given to transparency towards citizens, the role of women and young people in recovery processes and the potential contribution of the Syrian diaspora in the Netherlands through knowledge sharing and professional networks. The outcomes are helping shape a programme that builds on local ownership and practical cooperation.

Interested in learning more, or getting involved? Contact: Bo Altena, bo.altena@vng.nl