Governance in Transition: Highlights from UNDP's Workshop in Damascus

23 February 2025 - Damascus, Syria

On 22-23 February 2025, LUGARIT’s Omar Abdulaziz Hallaj facilitated a two-day workshop in Damascus, organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Syria. The workshop brought together 25 local governance experts from all parts of Syria to discuss the critical role of governance in Syria’s transitional period and explore actionable strategies for strengthening institutions, fostering peacebuilding, and improving central and local coordination in service provision, enhancing the local authorities to work with local communities and to foster their role in building local to local networks.

Addressing Key Challenges in Local Governance

The next period in Syria presents both challenges and opportunities for local governance. As the country undergoes political and social transformations, the role of municipalities and local institutions in service delivery, peace building and economic recovery becomes increasingly vital. The workshop served as a platform for experts to engage in collaborative dialogue, sharing insights on best practices and innovative approaches to governance during transitions.

Workshop Objectives and Discussions

The sessions focused on four key objectives:

• Mapping the different modalities of local governance in Syria. 

• Enhancing local governance structures for efficient service provision.

• ⁠Exploring governance as a tool for peacebuilding in fragmented communities.

• Capitalizing on local resources, civic and private networks to enhance opportunities for recovery.

• ⁠Developing recommendations for shared principles to streamline legal frameworks for local governance in the short and long term.

LUGARIT remains committed to fostering meaningful dialogue and supporting evidence-based policymaking to strengthen local governance structures during Syria’s transition.

Header Photo

The Damascus Tower in between 3 streets with symbolic names: Shukri al-Quwatli Street (named after the first president of Syria, post-independence from the French Mandate), Al Jamhorya Street (The Republic Street), and Al Thawra Street (The Revolution Street).  Damascus, Syria. 2019. Photo © Ali A Suliman - via ShutterStock.  Link >

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