During a visit to seven of Syria’s 14 governorates last October, Syrians expressed that their greatest needs were access to health, education, housing, and above all, jobs. Over a decade of conflict has left around 7.4 million people internally displaced, while 1.2 million returnees struggle to sustain livelihoods. Support from the international community, complementing national efforts, is crucial to help Syrians rebuild their lives.
The most effective use of foreign assistance in Syria focuses on three interconnected pillars: infrastructure reconstruction, economic revitalization, and strengthened local governance. Transitioning from emergency response to long-term development is vital not only for Syria but for regional peace and stability.
Cities across Syria have been devastated, with homes, hospitals, schools, roads, and power plants severely damaged or destroyed. Unexploded ordnance must be cleared before communities can safely return and rebuild. UNDP has already cleared over 2.1 million cubic meters of rubble and plans to remove an additional 550,000 cubic meters in the coming months. In northwest Syria, innovative recycling of 257,000 metric tons of debris has been used in road rehabilitation and public spaces.
Rebuilding shelter and community infrastructure is a top priority to allow displaced families and refugees to return home safely and with dignity. Restoring hospitals, water systems, sanitation, and schools is critical for public health and children’s futures, as over 2.4 million children remain out of school due to damaged or repurposed facilities. Repairing roads and power plants reconnects communities, facilitates trade, and improves access to electricity, which currently averages just two hours per day.
Economic recovery is equally urgent. Syria’s GDP is less than half of its pre-conflict level, with one in four people unemployed and nine out of ten living in poverty. UNDP supports small and medium-sized enterprises through microfinance, subsidized loans, and private sector engagement to stimulate job creation, market activity, and entrepreneurship, including women-led businesses. Development of value chains and trade policies further strengthens economic opportunities.
Effective local governance underpins sustainable recovery. Local governments are essential in delivering water, sanitation, electricity, health, and education services to returning populations. Promoting social cohesion through dialogue between governments and community leaders helps overcome divisions, address grievances, and build trust.
The recovery of Syria is estimated to cost up to $216 billion. Coordinated international support focusing on reconstruction, finance, and governance is necessary to ensure sustainable development. By enabling Syrians to rebuild infrastructure, restore livelihoods, and strengthen institutions, the international community can contribute to a peaceful, stable, and prosperous future for Syria and the wider region.
