Damascus, May 14 (SANA) The Syrian Development Fund announced an initial allocation of $15 million to support programs in education, healthcare, economic empowerment, removal of war remnants and early response systems, based on needs identified across Syrian provinces.
The fund said the financing aims to support the return of displaced residents, improve access to essential services and help families achieve more stable living conditions. It added that implementation details and selection criteria would be published transparently in subsequent phases.
According to the fund’s quarterly performance report for the first quarter of 2026, the organization secured $83 million in donations and financial pledges, with more than $41 million collected by March 31.
The report said the fund achieved a 46% collection rate from registered pledges, describing the results as an indication of progress from the institutional establishment phase toward operational readiness.
According to the report, Syria continues to face significant humanitarian and economic challenges, with around 15 million people requiring assistance to meet basic needs and cumulative economic losses estimated at $800 billion.
More than 80% of the population lives below the poverty line, while unemployment exceeds 50%, including youth unemployment above 60%, the report said.
It added that more than half of Syria’s hospitals are operating below capacity or remain out of service, while more than two million children are outside the education system.
The report also said more than 20% of housing units have been damaged or destroyed, around half of water networks remain out of service, and approximately 12 million people face food insecurity. Syria also continues to host nearly 7 million internally displaced people and around 6 million refugees abroad.
The Syrian Development Fund was launched during an official ceremony at the Damascus Citadel on Sept. 4, 2025. Funding sources include domestic and international donations, recurring contributions through a monthly donor program, and grants accepted in accordance with Syrian laws and regulations.
R.A/ABD
