Damascus, Feb. 22 (SANA) – Syria’s Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor held a high-level technical workshop on data governance and social protection, in cooperation with international organizations, as part of efforts to modernize social safety systems and improve policy coordination.
The workshop brought together representatives from key government bodies alongside officials from the World Bank, the World Food Programme (WFP), UNICEF, and the International Labour Organization (ILO). Discussions focused on establishing a unified framework for data governance within social protection programmes, including data mapping, protection standards, interoperability, and institutional coordination.
Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Hind Kabawat stressed the need for a national data governance framework to improve efficiency, fairness, and public trust, noting that reliable data is essential for sustainable financial planning and targeted social support. She emphasized the importance of state-owned systems that safeguard institutional sovereignty and personal data protection.
Finance Minister Yisr Barnieh highlighted the role of accurate data in allocating resources for key service sectors such as health and education, underlining its importance in poverty reduction efforts and improving the effectiveness of social spending.
Officials from the Planning and Statistics Authority and the Ministry of Communications and Technology underscored the need for integrated digital infrastructure and secure electronic linkage between institutions to support evidence-based decision-making and reduce duplication and waste.
A World Bank representative reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting Syria in developing an effective social protection system, stressing that coordinated international engagement and clearly defined responsibilities are critical to strengthening national capacities.
The workshop forms part of broader efforts to develop a national social protection strategy capable of responding to growing economic and social challenges facing Syrian families.
