The Syrian Future Movement is following with interest the launch of the first National Syrian University Debating Championship, which was announced in Damascus, as reported in media coverage published on December 13, 2025. The Movement views this as a scientific and cultural initiative that contributes to revitalizing university life and enhancing critical thinking and systematic dialogue skills among Syrian students.
The Syrian Future Movement affirms that this step represents a positive development in restoring the enlightening role of Syrian universities, particularly during this critical national phase that necessitates investment in human capital and the creation of an academic environment capable of producing graduates with skills in dialogue, analysis, and institutional work.
The Syrian Future Movement believes that the effectiveness of university debates, despite their importance, achieves its sustainable impact when integrated within a comprehensive institutional vision for developing higher education. This vision should link extracurricular activities with academic curricula and the needs of the state and society during the recovery and reconstruction phase.
The Syrian Future Movement points out that international experiences in developed countries, particularly Germany, Canada, the Scandinavian countries, and the United States, confirm that leading universities rely on integrated systems of activities, including debates, parliamentary and governmental simulation programs, university legal clinics, and public policy labs, as essential tools for preparing students for public life and responsible institutional work.
The Syrian Future Movement notes that parliamentary simulation programs in German universities since the beginning of the new millennium, and legal clinics in accredited American law schools since the 1990s, have contributed to graduating generations with high professional competence, civic awareness, and the practical ability to translate theoretical knowledge into public policies and interventions.
The Syrian Future Movement calls for expanding the scope of university activities in Syria to include policy thinking programs, policy paper writing workshops, community dialogue forums, and public service programs. This will strengthen the university’s connection to societal issues and prepare students for active participation in building modern Syrian state institutions.
The Syrian Future Movement urges the Ministry of Higher Education and the administrations of public and private universities to adopt a sustainable, institutional approach to university activities. This approach should be based on long-term planning, partnership with civil society, leveraging international expertise, and conducting regular and transparent assessments of the educational and societal impact of these activities.
The Syrian Future Movement affirms that a systematic investment in Syrian university students is a direct investment in the country’s future. Building a generation of university graduates who are scientifically qualified, institutionally trained, and aware of civic values is a fundamental pillar for achieving stability, sustainable development, and Syria’s positive integration into the international community.
