The role of the civic sector in Syria has grown in recent years with the increasing needs of the society for its services, which is reflected in the diversity of its activities and the expansion of its geographical distribution. In addition to its charitable work and after it has gained the trust of individuals, the civic sector's activities have become centred around awareness, development and peacebuilding. All of this coincided with the increasing need for CSOs to empower their staff's capabilities, skills, and knowledge.

Given the importance of this growth and the extent of the civic sector's impact, UNDP launched Civic Empowerment Programme (CEP) to build key partnerships with the civic sector through the recovery and the development process.

CEP aims to increase the effectiveness and sustainability of the civic sector and contribute to achieving optimal cooperation and partnership between its associations. It also works on helping them to formulate their structure in line with the essence of their identity and in a way that maximizes the utilization of their human and material resources. This will enable them to play their role as important partners for the public and private sectors. Thus, contributing to economic growth and development.