Beirut-Damascus, 16 June 2025--As part of efforts to advance Syria's national and economic recovery, and foster social reconciliation and inclusive development, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) organized two consecutive discussion sessions on Syria's economic, cultural and societal identity, in collaboration with the International Humanitarian Relief (IHR). The sessions explored the opportunities, challenges, and risks that may face consensus on a unified national identity during the transitional phase.
The sessions, held in Damascus on 28 and 29 May, brought together academics and researchers specializing in history, sociology, and conflict studies, as well as civil society leaders, peacebuilding activists, cultural figures, religious leaders, and social actors from various Syrian governorates. Opening remarks were delivered by UN Under-Secretary-General and ESCWA Executive Secretary Rola Dashti, IHR Co-founder and Chairwoman Houda Atassi, Minister of Finance in Syria Mohammad Yasser Bernia, Minister of Social Affairs and Labour in Syria Hind Kabawat, and Advisor to the Syrian Minister of Economy Mazen Derawan.
Economic identity
Under the theme "Syria's Economic Identity: Opportunities, Challenges, and National Commonalities", the first session focused on analyzing the transformations in Syria's economy from the 1960s to the present, including the shift from a socialist model to a market economy and the impact of conflict on economic and social structures. Participants also discussed the relationship between the State and the market, the roles of the public and private sectors in the recovery phase, and ways to integrate local economies into the national economy to promote social justice and inclusive development.
In this context, Dashti emphasized the importance of this dialogue in fostering communication among Syria's diverse regions to identify shared interests and explore current economic opportunities. She stressed the need for a flexible national economic vision that embraces the country's diversity.
For his part, Bernia noted that Syria was heading in a positive direction and working to establish the necessary legislative framework to ensure an effective economic infrastructure that safeguards both investors and vulnerable groups.
According to Derawan, Syria is in the process of laying the foundations for a new economic model based on promoting entrepreneurship, while taking into account the social dimensions of development.
Cultural identity
The second session, held on the following day under the title "Cultural and Societal Identity and Its Role in Syria's Future", featured the participation of Minister Kabawat. The discussion focused on the challenges faced by the country's social structure during years of conflict, including polarization, divisions, and the effects of internal and external displacement. It also emphasized the need to build an inclusive national identity that embraces cultural, religious, and linguistic diversity and is grounded in the values of citizenship, justice, and dignity as outlined in Syria's Constitutional Declaration issued in March 2025.
In her statement, Kabawat highlighted the importance of building an inclusive social contract that brings together all components of Syrian society. She noted that Syria was characterized by a diversity of identities, and that the process of state-building and institutional reconstruction post-conflict could not take place without acknowledging this diversity. She added that inclusive citizenship must be the foundation upon which this social contract is built.
For her part, Atassi called on developing inclusive policies, which promote participation, ensure equality, and foster an environment that embraces diversity, free from exclusion and marginalization. She affirmed that this dialogue would help rebuild trust among Syria's various communities and lay the foundation for sustainable peaceful coexistence.
Towards a policy recommendation paper
These two sessions are part of an ongoing series of dialogues designed to develop a comprehensive policy recommendation paper that reflects the views and suggestions of participants from across Syria. This paper will serve as a guide for future political and social initiatives aimed at strengthening Syria's national identity and advancing the path towards national reconciliation.
