Civil society organizations in Turkey have announced the preparation of a package of projects aimed at contributing to the reconstruction of Syria, with a total value of $154 million. They emphasized that the current phase requires a shift from focusing on humanitarian aid to adopting a sustainable development approach.
Eyüp Akbal, Secretary-General of the Union of NGOs in the Islamic World, stated that some participating entities have proposed a vision extending over ten years, while other institutions have presented implementation plans specifically for 2026.
Akbal explained that the delegation that visited Syria observed a genuine willingness among local parties to cooperate and benefit from Turkish expertise. He noted that government institutions, universities, expert networks, and civil society organizations could all contribute to supporting reconstruction efforts.
He added that relying solely on humanitarian aid is no longer sufficient, despite its continued importance, emphasizing the need to shift toward sustainable development pathways. These include empowering residents to rebuild their lives within their cities, providing professional opportunities for youth, enhancing women’s role in production and society, returning children to schools, and strengthening social cohesion
