The issue of national dialogue is extremely important, but it is also extremely difficult. It is a process fraught with pitfalls, pitfalls, and difficulties.
Nations usually resort to dialogue when constitutional and legal mechanisms fail to resolve crises. Nations may also resort to dialogue during their founding stages, which may be the case for the new Syrian state.
However, dialogue should not be an end in itself, but rather a means to solve problems and overcome fears.
Therefore, the participants in the dialogue must possess a representative character that qualifies them to express an influential opinion that reflects the aspirations and concerns of large social groups. Whether we like it or not, these participants do not engage in dialogue in their personal or individual capacity, but rather in their representative capacity.
Representative character comes first, competence comes second, and integrity comes third.
Because without integrity and competence, a member of the dialogue conference loses the ability to separate their personal interests from the public interest. It is absolutely essential that those with vested interests stay away from the centers of discussion, dialogue, and decision-making.
Selecting these types of figures may be the most difficult stage of the dialogue, as possessing these qualities in the dialogue participants will necessarily lead to the dialogue’s success.
Therefore, a precise selection mechanism must be in place, stemming from the shared opinion of all members of the Preparatory Committee, in collaboration with prominent and intellectual figures, and national, religious, and social authorities.
The method, mechanism, and topics of the dialogue are the second challenge. An advanced mechanism is needed, relying on small committees rather than propaganda speeches, and discussing topics that address major crises rather than minor details. At the forefront of these topics must be a precise and well-organized plan for the transitional phase, ensuring a balanced economic and political response to citizens’ immediate problems.
The third challenge is the outcomes of the dialogue conference, which must be decisions that are immediately implemented. These decisions must be precise, clear, and explicit, avoiding procrastination or equivocation, and must reach the hearts and minds of the people, providing a strong sense of optimism and stability.
Finally, I wish the Preparatory Committee for the National Dialogue Conference every success.
Political Bureau
Dr. Nawar Najma
Research and Studies Department
Independent Researchers
Syrian Future Movement
