Civil Society Enablement Unit in Syria Discusses Challenges and Ways to Strengthen Local Organizations in the Transitional Phase

In February 2025, the Civil Society Enablement Unit conducted a series of field dialogue sessions in several Syrian cities, including Damascus, Sweida, Hama, Latakia, Idlib, and Homs, with activists, youth, representatives of local organizations, and media professionals. The sessions aimed to assess the reality of civil society organizations and the challenges they face, and explore ways to enhance their role in building a new Syria based on freedom, equality, and the rule of law. Key outcomes included: • Emphasizing the need to build clear organizational structures for emerging organizations to ensure sustainability, with a focus on youth and the use of technology to enhance communication and decision-making. • Activating the role of media in promoting social peace and the importance of transitional justice and national reconciliation. • Empowering youth and women through training programs and supportive environments for effective participation. • Proposing solutions to funding challenges and political interventions faced by NGOs. • Highlighting the role of unions and independent initiatives in enhancing community participation. The sessions demonstrated the determination of Syrian civil society to play a pivotal role in the transitional phase, offering innovative solutions to existing challenges. The Civil Society Enablement Unit emphasizes the importance of continuing these dialogues to strengthen community partnership and build a democratic future for Syria.