Damascus, April 3 (SANA) UNDP Administrator Alexander De Croo said Syria is at a pivotal moment, with improved stability and the end of the war and violence opening the door for long-term development and investment.
In an interview with SANA at the conclusion of his visit to Syria on Thursday, De Croo described the country as “at a pivotal moment… after 14 years of an atrocious war… the country is stabilized, violence is gone,” adding that this creates an opportunity to move from humanitarian aid toward rebuilding.
He highlighted the return of 1.6 million people over the past year and growing demand for healthcare, education, and housing as evidence of the urgent need for investment in Syria’s future.
Presenting Syria as a Recovery Success
De Croo said the current phase requires framing Syria as a success story. “If you had told me five years ago that today the country would be where it is, no one would have believed it,” he said, emphasizing that demonstrating a transition toward “a peaceful, prosperous country… is our duty to the Syrians and to the rest of the world.”
Ongoing Risks and Service Challenges
Despite progress, war-related hazards persist. De Croo noted tens of thousands of landmines and unexploded ordnance remain, warning that “when the war stops, the danger does not stop.” More than 60% of Syria’s land may still be contaminated, and about a quarter of Syrians live with disabilities, many linked to these remnants.
Basic services and housing also remain critical. De Croo said people are asking, “what has improved in my daily life?” and stressed that recovery must be Syrian-led: “We stand shoulder to shoulder with the Syrians… but the Syrians are the ones who will make it happen.”
Partnerships with the Government
De Croo described expanding cooperation with the Syrian government, particularly in mine clearance, water and sanitation projects, and the construction of a water treatment plant. UNDP is also supporting prosthetics for injured Syrians, private sector development, and youth training in technology skills.
He highlighted UNDP’s advisory role in strengthening government capacity, including managing ministries, preparing budgets, and engaging with international financial institutions.
Discussions with Officials
Key talks with Syrian officials focused on demining and ending displacement camps. De Croo said, “Priority number one is no mines… second priority is no more camps,” reflecting efforts to allow Syrians to live safely in their communities. He added that broader recovery strategies now need to be translated into detailed implementation plans.
The transition from humanitarian aid to development work also requires investment in justice systems, education, and housing, especially given high poverty and unemployment. The goal, he said, is to help Syrians achieve self-sufficiency through stable housing and income.
Call for International Support
De Croo urged the international community to increase funding for reconstruction. “Now is the moment to provide funding for the reconstruction… if the international community is not stepping in, then we’re really letting down the Syrian people,” he said, noting the resilience Syrians have shown over years of conflict demands meaningful support.
De Croo arrived in Syria on April 1 as part of a UN delegation that included UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher. The delegation visited several areas, including Jobar in Damascus, met with Syrian officials, and launched Syria’s recovery priorities alongside the 2026 humanitarian response plan.
F.J./ABD
