Omar Abdulaziz Hallaj's paper  provides a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and potential solutions for effective local development in Syria, emphasizing the role of civil society and decentralization.

The paper begins by discussing the significant transformations in Syrian society, notably the shift from rural to urban living and changes in social structures and family composition. It highlights how economic growth has not translated into ground-level development due to a lack of administrative reform and local community participation in national resource oversight. The result has been increased poverty, corruption, and a disconnection between citizens and the benefits of national economic growth.

Mr. Hallaj identifies the key flaws in the local development process in Syria. He argues that development has been misconceived as a service provided by the public entity to the local community, resulting in a waste of resources and a failure to empower local communities. This centralized approach has left citizens outside the decision-making circle, thereby weakening their participation in local administration and increasing corruption.

The paper then focuses on the Local Administration Law, proposed as a reform measure. This law aims to reduce central interference in local affairs, making local administrations more accountable to their communities. It separates executive authorities from elected supervisory authorities and is seen as a step towards decentralization. However, Mr. Hallaj points out several weaknesses in the law, including dependency on central funding, lack of local administrative capabilities, and resistance from ministries unwilling to cede power.

Another major focus is the Civil Society Organizations Law, which is still under consideration. Mr. Hallaj argues for the independence of civil organizations from direct state supervision and emphasizes their role in representing citizen needs and interests. He proposes several demands for this law, including tax exemptions for donors, monitoring by relevant entities, and transparent mechanisms for licensing NGOs.

Mr. Hallaj concludes that for effective local development, both the Local Administration and Civil Society Organizations Laws need to be implemented properly. These laws should empower local administrations and civil society organizations to play a more significant role in local development, ensuring that the benefits of economic growth reach the broader segments of Syrian society. He stresses the need for a strong political will and a realistic approach to overcome the challenges of transitioning to decentralization and effectively engaging civil society in the development process.