Syria has suffered incalculable material and psychological damage during the civil war that began in 2011. The greatest loss has been the emigration of the educated strata, who left Syria for the West. Under the leadership of al-Shara, the new Syrian state has been compelled to undergo reconstruction almost from scratch. Through state television, appeals for unity are directed at the country’s diverse communities, accompanied by repeated messages of reconciliation. The al-Shara administration has initiated a series of measures to address the fragile economy and the deteriorating social fabric.
The economic devastation caused by the war is profound. According to assessments by the United Nations and the World Bank, Syria’s economy has suffered nearly 800 billion USD in losses over the fourteen-year conflict, while the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has contracted by approximately 85 percent. As a result, around 90 percent of the population now lives below the poverty line. The destruction of infrastructure has made the reconstruction of housing, power plants, and healthcare facilities an urgent necessity.
The reconstruction efforts undertaken in cooperation with international and regional actors serve as symbolic indicators of the country’s restructuring endeavors. At the donor conference held in Brussels in March 2025, approximately USD 6.5 billion in pledges were secured; the European Union announced a contribution of EUR 2.5 billion for the 2025–2026 period. In addition, Saudi Arabia pledged investments exceeding USD 6 billion, launching projects in the construction, agriculture, and energy sectors. These initiatives are expected to create 50,000 new jobs.
As of August 2025, the country had signed a total of USD 14 billion worth of foreign investment agreements, primarily from Doha and Abu Dhabi. Major projects under this framework include the renovation of Damascus International Airport, a metro project, and the construction of residential towers comprising 20,000 housing units. Equally strategic is the USD 800 million agreement with Dubai-based DP World for the development of the Port of Tartus. Furthermore, the reopening of the Damascus Stock Exchange after a six-month hiatus signaled a revival in the financial system.
Nevertheless, the recovery process is frequently disrupted by numerous challenges. The instability of the Syrian pound, the pressing need for reforms in the banking and taxation systems, persistent security issues, ongoing regional conflicts, and the continued presence of certain armed groups and terrorist organizations all constitute significant obstacles to investment and development. According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), at current growth rates, it may take decades for the country to return to its pre-war GDP levels; however, this timeline could be shortened through comprehensive reforms and effective resource allocation.
On the social front, there are also promising signs of stability and solidarity in the aftermath of the societal devastation caused by the civil war. The Transitional Justice Commission, established on 17 May 2025, introduced mechanisms designed to promote social peace through accountability for past human rights violations, reparations for victims, and the pursuit of national reconciliation. This initiative represents a significant step toward re-establishing the rule of law.
Another development reinforcing civic engagement and a culture of reconciliation is the adoption of the Code of Conduct for Unity in Syria, which aims to foster a shared fabric of coexistence among different social and ethnic groups. Signed in Berlin in 2017 by representatives of Sunnis, Alawites, Kurds, Christians, Druze, and other communities, this document laid the foundations for a new social contract.
Significant strides have also been made regarding women’s participation in public life, which has emerged as a critical element in Syria’s social renewal. The Syrian Office for Women’s Affairs was established on 22 December 2024 as part of the transitional government. Moreover, civil society actors and feminist organizations, most notably the Syrian Women’s Political Movement, continue to amplify women’s voices in both education and political participation. This movement seeks to integrate feminist thought into legal frameworks and political practices, thereby ensuring women’s inclusion in the broader reconstruction and reconciliation process.
The role of women in building peace and social cohesion continues to be vibrant within civil society. Particularly noteworthy are the efforts of Syrian women leaders who take initiatives in fields such as social justice, health, and education, thereby contributing to the creation of a platform for reconciliation. These efforts point toward a community-based approach that offers a hopeful vision for the country’s reconstruction process.
United Nations agencies have intensified their efforts to mitigate the social and economic consequences of years of conflict. By promoting a reconstruction approach centered on governance, reconciliation, and social cohesion, the UN has sought to develop comprehensive strategies that not only restore infrastructure and stimulate economic recovery but also foster societal reintegration. Similarly, the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) has been actively engaged in early recovery and resilience planning in areas such as inclusive governance, climate resilience, education, health, and food security.
In conclusion, the strengthening of societal reconciliation, the empowerment of women’s leadership, cooperation with international actors, and the activation of transitional justice mechanisms all signal a positive transformation in Syria, both socially and economically. These initiatives can be regarded as strategic foundations for steering the society toward lasting peace and inclusivity. Such developments demonstrate that Syria’s reconstruction is not solely an economic process but also a social rebirth grounded in solidarity. In this regard, efforts are being made to rebuild not only the state from its ashes but also to cultivate a holistic conception of nationhood under that state.
