With support from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, LUGARIT implements a project to support peace and reconciliation efforts in Syria.  This initiative aims at engaging civic actors, exploring areas of convergence, and fostering safer civic engagement in the country’s evolving landscape. 

Context and Rationale

As Syria navigates a complex transitional phase following the collapse of the Assad regime, the country remains deeply fragmented. Various forces are contributing to instability, governance challenges, and deepening societal divides. Civil society actors, the backbone of grassroots activism, now face the task of rebuilding trust within and across communities.

In response, LUGARIT launched this project to mitigate violence, rebuild civic engagement, and create pathways for peacebuilding. 

Key Activities

Work on the project is structured around two core components:

Mapping Local Dynamics

• Data collection through field visits to multiple Syrian cities.

• A region-by-region assessment of Syria’s security, institutional, economic, social, and public health conditions.

• Production of situation reports and policy papers to inform decision-makers.

Community Engagement

• Outreach to community leaders through stakeholder consultations and meetings.

• Giving public talks and interviews. 

• Facilitation of virtual and in-person dialogue sessions, public discussions, and workshops. 

• Facilitation of the Syrian National Dialogue Conference held in Damascus on 24–25 February 2025.

• Supporting community grassroots initiatives.  

Impact

LUGARIT’s team has directly engaged thousands of individuals across Syria, fostering dialogue and collaboration between diverse communities. By connecting civil society actors, governance stakeholders, and local leaders, the initiative aims to create a more inclusive and resilient foundation for Syria’s future.

Through this work, LUGARIT continues to contribute to peace and reconciliation by amplifying civic voices, strengthening grassroots activism, and supporting locally driven solutions to Syria’s complex challenges.