The International Labour Organization (ILO), in partnership with Syria's Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour (MoSAL), the Ministry of Energy and national stakeholders, is supporting Syria's transition towards a greener, more competitive and inclusive economy through two complementary initiatives launched this week.
One initiative brought together the government, employers and workers on 5 August to engage in policy dialogue shape policies that support a just transition, protect jobs and strengthen industrial competitiveness.
A second initiative, following the renewable energy investment agreement announced by the Government of Syria and a consortium of Saudi and other international private investors on 6 August, will see the ILO equip 1,000 workers with green skills. This will prepare them for employment at the new power generation facilities to be developed under the agreement.
"The workshop was an important opportunity to bring together industrialists, factory owners, and government institutions to discuss the challenges facing the industrial sector, particularly those related to energy," said Raghda Zaidan, Deputy Minister of (MoSAL). "The discussions focused on identifying practical solutions to ensure factories can continue operating, protect workers' rights, and sustain production. A key outcome was the commitment to continue working with the Ministry of Energy to develop immediate measures in support of Syrian industry and address the difficulties faced by manufacturers."
© ILO
Through evidence-based discussions, participants identified practical policy options to improve energy efficiency, support productive enterprises, preserve jobs and strengthen industrial competitiveness. The roundtable touched on energy costs, particularly electricity and gas prices.
"Industrialists called for pricing that is aligned with international market rates, so that production costs do not undermine the competitiveness of Syrian products," said Ayman Al-Mawlawi, Chairman of the Damascus Chamber of Industry. "We also discussed ways to strengthen national industry, promote the use of renewable energy to reduce energy costs and allow factories to feed surplus electricity into the grid, and improve the organization and development of industrial zones across Syria."
The roundtable discussion and the new renewable energy investment will help create jobs and promote sustainable industrial development at the heart of Syria's recovery.
"The importance of the new renewable energy agreement lies not only in adding new power generation capacity to the electricity system but also in the fact that it represents a model for an effective investment partnership," said Osama Abu Zaid, Syria's Deputy Minister of Energy for Water and Electricity. "It marks the beginning of a new phase based on diversifying energy sources, enhancing the reliability of the electricity grid, improving the quality of the services provided to citizens, and supporting the country's economic and productive sectors as a whole."
This agreement marks the beginning of a new phase based on diversifying energy sources.
Osama Abu Zaid, Syria's Deputy Minister of Energy for Water and Electricity
As part of the upcoming renewable energy projects, the ILO will train returnees, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and members of host communities in market-relevant skills for the installation, operation and maintenance of the planned renewable energy systems. The training will be delivered through the PROSPECTS programme, fund supported by the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and the Durable solutions, Assisted voluntary returns, and Reintegration (DAR programme, funded by the European Union).
"As Syria advances its economic recovery, the transition to a more sustainable economy presents an opportunity to create jobs, strengthen productivity and build resilience," said Maha Kattaa, ILO Chief Technical Adviser. "Through these initiatives, the ILO is supporting a just transition that combines skills development and partnerships to ensure that the shift to a greener economy creates decent work, strengthens enterprise competitiveness and leaves no one behind."
Complementing the policy dialogue, the engagement of international private investors in developing large-scale photovoltaic projects is expected to strengthen partnerships and accelerate investment in Syria's clean energy sector.
The newly signed public-private investment agreement includes the construction of three solar power plants with a combined capacity of approximately 760 MW, two of which will incorporate battery energy storage systems. It also provides for the rehabilitation and expansion of electricity generation infrastructure, adding around 2,000 MW of planned generation capacity.
As Syria's renewable energy sector expands, strengthening the skills needed to support its growth is key. By helping ensure that these investments create decent employment opportunities, including for vulnerable groups, the ILO is contributing to the country's industrial recovery, long-term sustainable development and a more resilient economy.
