Japan and UN-Habitat back urban recovery in Syria, to benefit 870,000
07 May 2026
The Government of Japan is contributing USD 806,666 to support a 12-month UN-Habitat project, “” “Strengthening Municipal Operational Readiness for Urban Recovery in Syria”, aimed at improving municipal services and supporting recovery efforts for an estimated 870,000 people in crisis-affected areas.
The project will support approximately 20 municipal administrative units across seven governorates – Aleppo, Rural Damascus, Homs, Hama, Latakia, Idleb, and Daraa –strengthening their institutional, technical, and operational capacities for effective recovery planning and improved service delivery.
Through targeted capacity-building programmes and the provision of essential tools and equipment, the project is enhancing municipalities’ ability to respond to the needs of communities affected by crisis and displacement. Between 120 and 180 municipal staff will be trained in key areas, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), urban data management, recovery planning, and Housing, Land and Property (HLP) rights.
In parallel, light rehabilitation works will support the restoration of basic municipal functions, contributing to more resilient and effective local governance. While municipalities are the direct beneficiaries, the project is expected to improve service delivery and recovery-oriented urban governance for hundreds of thousands of residents, including returnees.
The Government of Japan is a longstanding and valued partner of UN-Habitat and a leading donor to humanitarian and recovery efforts in Syria. Since 2022, Japan has contributed more than USD 21 million in support of UN-Habitat projects assisting vulnerable communities across the country.
About UN-Habitat
UN-Habitat is the United Nations entity responsible for sustainable urbanization. It has programmes 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. To know more, visit www.unhabitat.org or follow us on X @UNHABITATaction. To know more, visit www.unhabitat.org or follow us on social media @UNHABITAT.
For further information, please contact:
Rima Zeiter, Communication Lead, UN-Habitat Syria rima.zeiter@un.org
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