The Syrian President’s anticipated speech at the Concordia 2025 Summit

Introduction:

The Concordia International Summit announced, via its official platform on the “X” website, that it will host Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa at its 2025 annual conference. This participation represents the first speech by a Syrian president at an international forum of this caliber since 1967. This step comes in the context of internal and external political transformations taking place in Syria, making this event an important analytical platform for understanding the future of the world.

The Concordia Summit is a non-governmental platform founded in 2011 and held annually on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meetings in New York. The summit focuses on development issues, reconstruction, and building partnerships between governments, the private sector, and civil society, giving Syrian participation multiple dimensions that go beyond political symbolism.

First: The Political Dimension – The Return of Official Syrian International Presence:

• President al-Sharaa’s participation in the Concordia Summit is an indication of the new political regime in Syria’s desire to reposition itself on the international stage after decades of diplomatic isolation.
• This participation may be read as an implicit signal of initial international acceptance of President al-Assad’s legitimacy, especially in light of his previous statements regarding transitional justice and the formation of an inclusive government representing the various components of Syrian society.

Second: The strategic dimension – redefining Syria’s regional and international role:

• The upcoming speech is expected to include the features of a new Syrian foreign policy, including a reassessment of relations with regional powers such as Iran and Turkey, and the future of the Russian presence in the country.
• The Concordia summit provides an opportunity for Syria to open new channels of partnership outside traditional frameworks, particularly with private sector actors and global civil society.

Third: The economic dimension – a window for reconstruction and development:

• The conference’s focus on development and international partnerships opens the way for Syria to present its economic vision and attract investment in reconstruction projects.
• The President’s participation in an international platform of this magnitude may be interpreted as a sign of the beginning of a period of relative stability, boosting confidence in the Syrian market and encouraging investors to reconsider investment opportunities.

Fourth: The security dimension – messages of reassurance and possible international coordination:

• The speech is likely to include pledges related to combating terrorism, controlling borders, and protecting minorities. These messages aim to improve Syria’s security image before the international community.
• Participation in a summit that includes security and economic stakeholders may open the way for intelligence cooperation or technical support on internal security issues, especially in light of the remaining security challenges.

Fifth: The symbolic and historical dimension – breaking isolation and redefining national identity:

• This speech represents the first Syrian presidential appearance in an international forum since Hafez al-Assad’s speech in 1967, giving it a special historical dimension.
• If the speech includes a new vision for Syria, it could be a turning point in redefining Syrian national identity and opening the door to a different political and social phase.

Predictions for the Presidential Speech at the Concordia 2025 Summit:
Based on President al-Shara’s previous statements and the conference’s content, the speech is expected to include the following themes:

1. Political and Symbolic Messages:

• Confirming that Syria has entered a new phase of political transition.
• A call for comprehensive national reconciliation and contributing to building state institutions to represent Syria’s diversity.

2. Economic and Development Vision:

• Presenting a reconstruction plan in partnership with the private sector and civil society.
• Inviting international investors and emphasizing the fight against corruption.

3. Constitutional and Legislative Initiatives:

• Announcement of the establishment of the legislative institution (Parliament).
• New government changes.

4. Security and Humanitarian Messages:

• A pledge to achieve civil peace and prosecute perpetrators of crimes.
• A call to support counterterrorism efforts and the rehabilitation of affected areas.
• Turning a new page with regional countries, including Israel.

5. Addressing the World:

• A confirmation of Syria’s desire to be an active partner in the international community.
• A call for respect for Syrian sovereignty and cooperation on refugee, climate, and sustainable development issues.

Conclusion:

The Syrian President’s participation in the Concordia 2025 Summit represents a pivotal moment in Syria’s modern history, carrying profound political, strategic, economic, and security implications. If the anticipated speech is realized in its anticipated form, it could serve as a redefinition of the new Syria to the world, opening a new page in its international relations and domestic trajectory.