A consultative workshop in Damascus has concluded with progress on designing a national public works programme for Syria, aimed at generating jobs, rebuilding infrastructure and supporting inclusive economic recovery. The initiative is being led by the Syria Development Fund and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour, with technical support from the International Labour Organization and participation from senior government officials, employers’ and workers’ representatives, UN agencies and international partners.
The proposed public works programme is intended to function as a national recovery tool by combining short-term employment creation with long-term goals such as labour market strengthening, social protection and local economic development. It is expected to help restore essential community infrastructure while providing income opportunities for vulnerable groups, including youth, women, displaced people and returnees.
Alongside the workshop, the International Labour Organization and Syria’s Planning and Statistics Commission signed an agreement to conduct a nationwide Labour Force Survey. The survey will produce updated and internationally comparable data on employment, unemployment and labour participation, strengthening evidence-based policymaking and supporting reforms in decent work, social protection and labour market governance.
ILO officials emphasized that linking employment-focused recovery programmes with reliable labour market data is key to building a more resilient and inclusive recovery pathway. The initiative comes amid ongoing labour market disruption in Syria and aims to improve coordination between institutions, development partners and social actors to support sustainable recovery and expanded job opportunities.
