In Syria, the private sector can be one of the most important actors and partners for early recovery and resilience.  Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) constitute about 95 percent of the total enterprises in Syria and are a major contributor to gross domestic product and employment.

Multiple, overlapping crises including the 11-year conflict, the Lebanese financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic and drought-like conditions have resulted in MSMEs, especially agri-based businesses, struggling to survive and remain profitable. Yet, MSMEs,  can be a potential solution for a large number of unemployed and vulnerable populations, especially women and youth.

This side event will: 1) present the key findings and recommendations from the assessment on the overall situation on MSMEs jointly conducted by UNDP Syria and the London School of Economics and Political Science; 2) discuss how MSMEs can be supported as key resources for livelihoods both in urban and rural areas; and 3) propose a continuous dialogue to develop innovative and implementable solutions to expand inclusive economic opportunities and create decent jobs on an equitable and quality basis as part of early recovery efforts. 

Facilitator: Mahmoud Ramadan, Director, Playmaker

Speakers:

• Akira Endo, Chargé d'Affaires, Special Coordinator for Syria, Embassy of Japan in Syria
• Rim Turkmani, Senior Research Fellow and Research Director of the Syria Conflict Research Programme at LSE IDEAS
• Zaki Mehchy, Economist and Research Fellow at the Syria Conflict Research Programme at LSE IDEAS
• Sahba Sobhani, Director, Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development, Bureau for Policy and Programme Support, UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub
• Ramla Khalidi, Resident Representative, UNDP Syria
• Minako Manome, Deputy Resident Representative, a.i., UNDP Syria