Bridging Perspectives: LUGARIT at Syria’s National Dialogue Conference

24–25 February 2025 - Damascus, Syria

LUGARIT’s team participated in the Syrian National Dialogue Conference, held in Damascus on 24–25 February 2025.  The conference convened over 900 in-person participants from diverse sectors of Syrian society. Additionally, over 10,000 Syrians participated in an online questionnaire, expressing their views through a verified platform using their national IDs. These participants represented Syrians from around the world, including Europe, the United States, the Gulf states, and neighbouring countries. The event aimed to foster national dialogue and shape Syria’s transitional future.

LUGARIT’s Role in the Conference

Zedoun Al Zoubi volunteered to be the Lead Facilitator of the event's Facilitation Team. He played a crucial role in guiding the team and ensuring productive engagement among participants. Notably, Mr. Al Zoubi delivered a short statement at the end of the Opening Session on Day 2.  Additionally, Omar Abdulaziz Hallaj was among the in-person participants, bringing his expertise to discussions on the economic recovery of Syria.

Conference Objectives 

The Syrian National Dialogue Conference was designed to produce non-binding recommendations to guide the incoming government (expected to be formed in March 2025).  The Conference’s agenda (including its focus areas) was informed by 30 preparatory meetings across Syria’s provinces engaging approximately 4,000 people to ensure broad societal representation.

Conference Structure

The conference took place over two days.  Day 1 (February 24, 2025) included introductory sessions. Day 2 (February 25, 2025) was the main event.  

The main event commenced with an address by the new president Mr. Ahmed al-Sharaa, highlighting the event's significance and setting the tone for dialogue.  After the opening session, participants were organized into six specialized workshops, dedicated to the following focus areas: 

1. Transitional Justice – Addressing past human rights violations and establishing mechanisms for accountability and reconciliation.

2. Constitutional Building – Setting visions for drafting a new constitution for democratic governance.

3. Institutional Reforms – Enhancing state institutions and promoting the rule of law.

4. Personal Freedoms & Political Life – Ensuring the protection of individual rights, including freedom of expression, assembly, and belief.

5. Role of Civil Society – Empowering NGOs and grassroots organizations in nation-building.

6. Economic Principles – Developing ideas to rebuild Syria's economy, focusing on enabling an open environment to facilitate job creation and infrastructure revitalisation.

These workshops provided a structured platform for experts, stakeholders, and civil society representatives to collaborate and formulate actionable recommendations.

Key Takeaways from the Conference’s Final Statement

The conference concluded with a set of eighteen key recommendations, aimed at shaping Syria’s transition. Among the most notable points were:

• Preserving Syria’s unity and sovereignty while asserting Syria’s territorial integrity.

• Containing the use of violence and asserting the State’s role in controlling weapons and establishing a professional national army.

• Expediting a temporary constitutional declaration to prevent a governance vacuum.

• Accelerating the formation of a temporary legislative council to ensure fair representation.

• Ensuring freedom of speech, human rights protections, and women’s participation in all sectors and inclusive participation for all.

• Achieving transitional justice by holding perpetrators of violations accountable.

• Launching economic recovery efforts focused on industrial and agricultural development and establishing a fair process to move to an open market economy.

• Calling for the lifting of international sanctions to facilitate reconstruction.

• Strengthening civil society organizations to support government efforts in rebuilding Syria.

While the recommendations remain non-binding, they are expected to provide crucial guidance to Syria’s transitional leadership as it seeks to rebuild the nation.

LUGARIT remains committed to fostering dialogue, strengthening governance frameworks, and supporting civil society in Syria’s ongoing transformation. We will continue to engage in efforts that promote inclusive and constructive solutions for the country’s future.

Header Photo

A snapshot from the Conference's closing session, where Ms. Huda Al-Atassi was delivering the Conference's statement.  25 February 2025.  Photo © Aljazeera.  Link>

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