Today, Syria stands at a historic moment that may usher in an end to 14 years of loss of life, suffering and oppression for the Syrian people, and major devastation to the country’s economy, infrastructure, and human capital. During this period Syrians were denied any real prospect of development. 

Amid the many uncertainties that the end of the Assad regime that ruled the country for over five decades brings, the current moment offers a unique opportunity for Syrians to restore a future of stability, peace and hope and to rebuild.

The international community has an opportunity to support Syria by immediately facilitating humanitarian aid, promoting stability, and helping rebuild the nation’s institutions to reflect its citizens’ aspirations.

More than a decade of conflict, mismanagement, sanctions and more recently regional and global crises have left the Syrian economy in a dire crisis that will require careful planning and action to stem an economic collapse. The GDP stands today at around 15 percent of its value 14 years ago in current US dollars, and has lost 54 percent of its value in real terms in local currency. The value of the US dollar to the Syrian pound has multiplied by 300 times during the same period.

Between 2010 and 2022, Syria experienced a 16 percent decline in its Human Development Index, equating to a loss of 35 years of development. Its global ranking fell from 117 in 2010 to 157 in 2022. Today, most Syrian families are struggling to maintain basic livelihoods, procure the fuel they need to keep warm, feed their children, and keep them healthy and in school.

An orderly and peaceful political transition may also offer a significant opportunity to rebuild core national institutions that have been weakened. An opportunity to restore norms of justice, accountability, rule of law, human rights, and democratic governance to support national reconciliation and help local communities heal and recover.

UNDP has accompanied the Syrian people along the path of sustainable human development for over 60 years. UNDP has always maintained a strong presence on the ground, supported by seven field offices covering all 14 governorates of Syria, as we engage though a "Whole of Syria" approach. While current conditions remain fluid and the future hopeful yet precarious, we will continue to engage with humanitarian partners to address urgent humanitarian and displacement needs.

Today, as the situation evolves, we stand ready to support the Syrian people to transition to a future of opportunity and prosperity, lead their lives in dignity and fulfill their ambitions. 

We are ready to expand our area-based approach to supporting local delivery systems to extend critical services effectively and equitably; to help local communities reinforce social peace and cohesion to be able to navigate polarization and divisions precipitated by protracted crisis conditions; to promote economic recovery; and to strengthen accountable and effective local governance systems capable of maintaining rights, fighting corruption, and guaranteeing justice for all.