The Governorate of Damascus has signed strategic cooperation agreements with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the University of Venice, Italy, to promote sustainable urban planning.
The agreements were formalized on Monday in Damascus, with participation from local officials, international partners, and representatives from the involved institutions.
Maher Marwan Idlebi, Governor of Damascus, emphasized that these partnerships aim to bolster the city’s reconstruction efforts, digital transformation, and cultural and historical preservation. He highlighted the creation of an Urban Observatory, which will collect and analyze data to inform decision-making across various governmental bodies, playing a key role in shaping the city’s future development.
The UNDP also signed a separate agreement with the NGO “Grass of Renaissance” to provide further support to Damascus in its urban and architectural planning.
UNDP Resident Representative in Syria, Mohammed Mudawi, noted that this collaboration marks a significant step in assisting the city’s leadership in urban development and reconstruction, adding that he hopes this initiative will catalyze further reconstruction efforts across the country.
Ghiyath al-Din Zain, Executive Director of the NGO, explained that the Urban Center aims to improve the quality of life in Damascus by supporting data-driven decision-making, monitoring urban shifts, and balancing urban development with environmental protection.
Pino Barchet, Dean of the University of Venice’s Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, described the agreement as an opportunity for technological, urban, and cultural exchanges, helping to drive sustainable development and innovation in the region.
Stefano Ravagnan, Italy’s Ambassador to Syria, expressed his country’s full support for the initiative, noting that the cooperation between Syria and Italy is vital for revitalizing Damascus and restoring its global reputation as a key cultural and tourist destination.
The agreements are part of a comprehensive development plan aimed at sustainable reconstruction, urban planning, and the preservation of Damascus’s cultural identity, through a combination of international and local partnerships.
