Syrian government and industry representatives joined international development partners in Damascus to build support for the recovery of the country’s textile and garment sector, drawing on results from an initiative that is strengthening skills, working conditions, enterprise capacity and access to regional and international markets.The high-level roundtable, hosted by the Embassy of Italy in Damascus, brought together the Ministry of Economy and Industry, the Damascus and Aleppo Chambers of Industry, development partners, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).Participants reviewed progress under Weaving Hope, a joint ILO–UNIDO project funded by the Government of Italy, and discussed how further investment and coordination could help Syrian enterprises become more productive and competitive, create decent employment opportunities and reconnect with international markets. The roundtable was also intended to identify opportunities for development partners to support or complement the next phase of work.At the roundtable, the Government of Italy announced an additional contribution to Weaving Hope. Quote on why Italy is increasing its support,“The importance of the sector to Syria’s economic recovery, and Italy’s commitment to employment creation/ enterprises development/ partnership,” said Ambassador of Italy to Syria Stefano Ravagnan.From evidence to actionSince April 2025, Weaving Hope has worked with Syrian institutions, employers’ and workers’ organizations and industry to establish foundations for the sector’s longer-term recovery.The project has helped establish a government-led Programme Advisory Committee, bringing together government, employers, workers, ILO and UNIDO. The committee has agreed priorities including TVET reform, workforce development and sector competitiveness, providing a national platform through which partners can align their support. The initiative has also helped Syrian enterprises and industry institutions translate these priorities into practical action. Business owners have been exposed to European market requirements and sustainable production practices; the Damascus and Aleppo Chambers of Industry have strengthened their capacity to serve enterprises; responsible-business support services are being developed through the Chambers; and Syrian companies have gained new opportunities to engage with regional markets. Seventeen Syrian business owners participated in a study tour and training programme in Italy on European market requirements, decent work principles and sustainable production. Five women-led Syrian enterprises subsequently received support to exhibit at SYRIX Jeddah, connecting directly with regional buyers and distributors. Women’s participation and leadership have also become a dedicated part of the initiative. A Women Leaders and Champions platform has brought together women from government, employers’ and workers’ organizations and business to identify barriers to women’s employment and advancement and develop practical responses. Fifteen women entrepreneurs have also received training to strengthen their ability to participate effectively in trade fairs and reach new markets. Turning better jobs into stronger businessesThe roundtable highlighted the close relationship between decent work and the competitiveness of Syrian enterprises. Improving skills, occupational safety and health, employment practices and responsible business conduct can help enterprises raise productivity while meeting the expectations of regional and international buyers.Weaving Hope is therefore combining support for workforce skills and enterprise development with efforts to improve working conditions and responsible business practices. Chamber-based Responsible Business Conduct helpdesks are being developed to provide enterprises with practical guidance on labour and social compliance and help them prepare for international markets. Eng. Mohamed Yassin Hourieh, the Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry and the chairperson of the Programme Advisory Committee:“The government places great importance on national leadership in developing the textile and garment sector, given its priority role in economic recovery, job creation, skills development and competitiveness. We emphasize the importance of cooperation among the government, employers, workers and international partners to revitalize Syria’s long-established textile sector and help drive economic growth.”A platform for investment and partnershipParticipants at the roundtable discussed priorities for the next phase of the sector’s recovery, including skills development and vocational education and training, women’s economic participation and leadership, responsible business conduct and market readiness, links with Syrian expertise abroad, and improved access to finance for enterprises seeking to invest, grow and create jobs.These priorities have emerged from evidence and consultations undertaken through Weaving Hope and from the Programme Advisory Committee, with government, employers and workers playing a central role in identifying where further support is needed. The project is designed so that development partners can support specific areas of work while contributing to a broader, coordinated approach to the sector’s recovery. 2026.10.15_WH Donor Roundtable …Paula Bulancea, Project Manager, ILO mentioned “The progress made so far shows what can be achieved when national institutions, employers, workers and international partners work around shared priorities,” said ILO (title and name). “The next step is to turn the evidence and structures that are now in place into greater opportunities for Syrian enterprises and workers – better skills, better jobs, stronger businesses and improved access to markets.”"Our approach integrates targeted upgrading packages across quality, productivity, and energy efficiency with practical access to finance," said Firas Ghanem from UNIDO. "By combining our diagnostic benchmarking tool with hands-on assessments from industry experts, we help enterprises identify the exact equipment, training, and certifications required to compete regionally and globally. Because donor-funded projects are designed to pilot solutions and build local institutional capacity rather than subsidize entire industries indefinitely, our ultimate goal is to translate these technical diagnostics into bankable upgrading plans—enabling businesses to approach financial institutions with a proven track record and a clear, revenue-generating investment strategy.” said Firas Ghanem, UNIDO Project ManagerThe roundtable, hosted by Ambassador Ravagan, and convened by the Ministry of Economy with ILO and UNIDO brought together representatives of the Syrian Government, the Damascus and Aleppo Chambers of Industry and development partners, including the EU, Norway and Aga Khan Foundation, alongside the ILO and UNIDO. Building on Italy’s supportThe Government of Italy has been a key partner in Weaving Hope, providing EUR 1.7 million to the joint programme. The ILO has complemented this with its own resources to support studies, training, coordination and the development of responsible-business services. The initiative brings together the complementary expertise of the ILO and UNIDO: the ILO focuses on skills, working conditions, social dialogue and responsible business practices, while UNIDO supports technology, equipment and production upgrading.About Weaving HopeWeaving Hope is a joint ILO–UNIDO initiative supported by the Government of Italy. Working with Syrian government institutions, employers’ and workers’ organizations, the Damascus and Aleppo Chambers of Industry and other partners, it aims to support the recovery and upgrading of Syria’s textile and garment sector through skills development, decent work, stronger enterprises, responsible business practices and improved access to markets. 

The project rehabilitated critical sections of Eastern Aleppo’s damaged water infrastructure, including restoring the main water transmission pipeline and repairing associated household connections. These interventions have substantially improved water access, reduced leakage-related water losses, and enhanced the reliability and sustainability of essential services for the city’s most vulnerable communities.Beyond restoring water services, the project supported community-led rehabilitation of public spaces and the road infrastructure affected by the excavation works. These improvements have contributed to safer, more accessible and more livable neighborhoods, while reinforcing broader urban recovery and resilience efforts across eastern Aleppo. In the closing ceremony, the Member of the Executive Office in Charge of Water and Agriculture in the Governorate of Aleppo, Dr. Farhad Khorto, said:  “Rebuilding cities is not only about restoring streets and infrastructure; it is first and foremost about restoring people's lives. Reconstruction has little value without dignity, and development has no true meaning unless citizens experience its benefits in their homes and everyday lives.In the Aleppo Governorate, our vision is to place people at the heart of every project, ensure that essential services reach those who need them most, and transform relief and recovery efforts into sustainable development that reflects the aspirations of the people of this city. We believe that the recovery of Aleppo is a shared responsibility, requiring the combined efforts of government institutions, international organizations, development partners, and local communities.”   Ms. Reem Mallawi, Executive Manager of Global Initiatives of Alwaleed Philanthropies, stated:“At Alwaleed Philanthropies, we believe that recovery begins with meeting people’s basic needs, and that access to clean water is fundamental to living with dignity. Through our partnership with UN-Habitat, we have contributed to rehabilitating water supply systems for approximately 600,000 people in eastern Aleppo, helping improve living conditions for families and restore the essentials of daily life. We believe that recovery goes beyond rebuilding infrastructure; it is about improving people’s lives and creating safer, more livable environments.”Ms. Rania Hedeya, Director of UN-Habitat’s Regional Office for Arab States, said:“Behind every rehabilitated pipe and restored connection are families who can once again rely on safe water in their homes, children who can attend school without disruption, and communities that can look to the future with greater confidence. This was made possible by a community-led approach that engaged local residents in improving their neighborhoods, and by the strong partnership between UN-Habitat, Alwaleed Philanthropies and the Governorate of Aleppo. The recovery of Aleppo is far from complete, and UN-Habitat remains fully committed to supporting Aleppo and other cities across Syria on their path to recovery and sustainable development.”The project demonstrates the shared commitment of Alwaleed Philanthropies Global and UN-Habitat to supporting sustainable urban recovery in Syria and the impact that can be achieved by partnering on the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure, the strengthening of community resilience, and the improvement of living conditions for vulnerable populations.  About UN-Habitat: The United Nations Human Settlement Programme (UN-Habitat) is the United Nations entity responsible for sustainable urbanization. Working in more than 90 countries, UN-Habitat supports policymakers and communities in developing socially and environmentally sustainable cities and towns. Through knowledge, policy advice, technical assistance, and collaborative action, UN-Habitat promotes transformative change in cities towards inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable human settlements. About Alwaleed Philanthropies Over four decades, Alwaleed Philanthropies has supported and spent more than 5 billion dollars on social welfare and initiated more than 1000 projects in over 190 countries, managed by 10 Saudi female members, and reaching more than 1.5 billion beneficiaries around the world, regardless of gender, race, or religion. Alwaleed Philanthropies collaborates with a range of philanthropic, governmental, and nongovernmental to combat poverty, empower women and youth, develop communities, provide disaster relief, and create cultural understanding through education. It seeks to build bridges for a more compassionate, tolerant, and accepting world.    

 
The Government of the Republic of Korea, together with the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Syria, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), today launched the second phase of the Republic of Korea-funded humanitarian assistance initiatives in Syria under the theme "Revive Communities, Build Resilience and Shine Forward.""The Republic of Korea is proud to continue its partnership with the United Nations and the people of Syria. Building on the achievements of the first phase, these initiatives reflect our continued commitment to supporting vulnerable communities, strengthening resilience and advancing Syria's recovery,” said H.E. Mr. Geon Gyusuk, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Syrian Arab Republic. “We remain committed to working alongside our partners to help create a better future for children, families and communities across the country."The second phase builds on the strong foundation of the previous programme, reaffirming the shared commitment of the Republic of Korea and the United Nations to humanitarian action, early recovery and sustainable resilience in Syria.With a total contribution of US$ 18.95 million, the programme brings together three complementary initiatives that will help improve the lives of vulnerable children, families and communities across Syria by expanding access to basic services, including education, health, nutrition and food assistance, strengthening livelihoods, supporting early recovery and building resilience.The initiatives include:UNDP – R.E.V.I.V.E II: Relief, Employment and Vital Infrastructure for the Vulnerable in Emergencies (US$6 million).UNICEF – Enhancing Education, Nutrition, and Health Services for Vulnerable Syrian Children and Communities (US$7.95 million).WFP – REACH Phase 2 in Syria: Life-saving food and nutrition support to severely food-insecure populations in Syria (US$5 million).“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to supporting the people of Syria through coordinated humanitarian action and early recovery. By bringing together the complementary expertise of United Nations agencies, supporting Government priorities, we are helping communities restore essential services, strengthen resilience and create opportunities for a more sustainable recovery. We are grateful to the Republic of Korea for its continued partnership and solidarity." said Ms. Nathalie Fustier, United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator a.i. in Syria.Together, these initiatives reflect a coordinated United Nations approach, combining complementary expertise to address immediate humanitarian needs while supporting longer-term recovery and resilience across Syria.UNDP's R.E.V.I.V.E Phase II project will deliver debris removal, mine action, infrastructure rehabilitation, and livelihoods support across Aleppo, Deir-ez-Zor and Idleb governorates. The project will clear around 450,000 metric tons of debris, restore access to essential services and infrastructure, and generate emergency employment opportunities, while strengthening community dialogue and local recovery planning. It is expected to directly benefit 194,490 people and indirectly reach over 1.2 million people.UNICEF's contribution under the second phase will improve the health, nutrition and education outcomes of at least 400,000 vulnerable children and women in hard-to-reach areas and communities hosting returning families across Syria. Through expanded access to essential services and strengthening local systems, the programme will address both immediate humanitarian needs while contributing to longer-term resilience and recovery.WFP's contribution will help vulnerable families across Syria meet their food and nutrition needs. WFP will assist a total of 10,000 people with monthly cash-based assistance and 28,000 children under five and pregnant and breastfeeding women and girls with life-saving treatment for moderate acute malnutrition. These interventions will help families bridge critical food gaps, prevent malnutrition from becoming more severe and protect the health and development of women and children.The Republic of Korea has been a valued partner in supporting humanitarian action and early recovery in Syria. Through this renewed partnership, the Government of the Republic of Korea and the three United Nations agencies will continue working alongside national and local partners to help communities recover with dignity, strengthen essential services and build resilience for the future.  For further information, please contact: UNDP: Dania Darwish, Communications Specialist dania.darwish@undp.org UNICEF:Atul Kumar, Chief of Advocacy and Communication akumar@unicef.org Sherin Salameh, Communication Officer ssalama@unicef.org WFP: Noemi Renzetti, Head of External Relations noemi.renzetti@wfp.orgHasan Burhan, Communication Officer hasan.burhan@wfp.org

The Government of Japan and UN-Habitat have announced the launch of “The Project for Integrated Urban Reconstruction and Strengthening Sustainable Solid Waste Management” a major two-year initiative aimed at fostering long-term resilience and sustainable recovery. With a total budget of JPY 1,521,000,000 (approximately USD 9.3 million) provided by the Government of Japan, the project will run from July 2026 to July 2028.The project’s core objective is to revitalize essential civic infrastructure and improve environmental health through a community-driven, development-oriented approach. By strengthening municipal capacity and reinvigorating the local urban economy, the intervention seeks to rebuild public confidence and restore the city’s social fabric.The project focuses on two primary pillars of recovery. Urban Regeneration of the Old Clock Square which is considered a symbolic and economic heart of Homs, the project will revitalize the Old Clock Square and its surrounding areas. This intervention is designed to improve functionality, safety, and inclusivity, contributing to a restored civic identity and reduced traffic risks while boosting local economic activity.The project will also target sustainable solid waste management to address critical environmental health risks. The project will rehabilitate the municipal solid waste management system, especially the final disposal site. It will also support on increasing collection efficiency and extending the operational lifespan of the landfill through environmentally sound practices aligned with international standards.The project will use an integrated and participatory approach. Urban regeneration plans will be informed by community-led processes to ensure that designs reflect local priorities and promote inclusive public spaces. Furthermore, the project embeds capacity development support to municipal departments to enhance transparency and evidence-based decision-making.This initiative integrates cross-cutting priorities including gender equality, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability the project framework notes. By involving women, youth, older persons, and persons with disabilities in the planning process, it also aims to increase social cohesion and ensure that the recovery is accountable and sustainable. Through this partnership, the Government of Japan and UN-Habitat remain committed to building a more resilient future for the people of Homs, ensuring that essential services are restored and urban governance is strengthened for years to come. About UN-Habitat: UN-Habitat is the United Nations entity responsible for sustainable urbanization. UN-Habitat works in over 90 countries, supporting policymakers and communities to create socially and environmentally sustainable cities and towns. UN-Habitat promotes transformative change in cities through knowledge, policy advice, technical assistance and collaborative action. About the Government of Japan: The Government of Japan is a leading partner in supporting early recovery and resilience-building in Syria, focusing on restoring basic services and improving the livelihoods of vulnerable populations. Media Contacts: On behalf of UN-Habitat: Taimaa Mourad, Communication AssistantEmail: taimaa.mourad@un.orgPhone number: +963 965 044 536