For the first time inside Syria, the “Day of Dialogue with Syrian Civil Society” was launched at the Conference Palace in Damascus, marking a historic shift from its previous nine editions held in Brussels. The event is organized in cooperation between the Syrian government and the European Union.

Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shibani, in his opening remarks, described the event as a starting point for a “strong and renewed” partnership between the state and civil society, emphasizing the pivotal role of Syria’s partners in the European Union. He noted that civil society is not a recent phenomenon but rather an extension of unions and initiatives that have endured through the country’s most difficult times.

Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Hind Qabbawat stated that “dialogue marks the beginning of change,” stressing that rebuilding Syria can only be achieved through a partnership based on mutual respect between the state and civil society. She affirmed that civil society is a key partner in planning, implementation, and accountability.

In the first European comment from inside Damascus, Michael Unmacht, Acting Head of the EU Delegation to Syria, expressed via the platform X his eagerness to hear the concerns, priorities, and hopes of the participating Syrian civil society representatives.

From Brussels, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas said the event reflects the EU’s commitment to supporting the Syrian people in rebuilding their country after decades of dictatorship, announcing the allocation of €2.5 billion to support reconstruction efforts.

This event crowns extensive consultations held inside Syria with dozens of civil organizations in preparation for the ninth edition of the “Day of Dialogue,” now being held domestically for the first time.

Since 2011, the European Union has provided over €38 billion in support to Syrian civil society organizations. The 2025 edition will focus on empowering civil society to actively participate in the comprehensive political transition process.

Observers view the dialogue’s launch in Damascus as a significant milestone in expanding civic and participatory spaces, especially following the formation of the transitional government led by Ahmed Al-Sharaa. It signals the EU’s readiness to engage directly in supporting Syria’s recovery and reconstruction.