The Syrian Future Movement observes the International Day for Rural Development, which falls on July 6th each year, as an international event that underscores the importance of investing in people and places, and promoting balanced development between urban and rural areas. This fosters economic and social stability and safeguards the dignity of citizens.
The Syrian Future Movement believes that rural Syria was among the areas most severely affected during the years of war. Infrastructure was destroyed, basic services deteriorated, the agricultural sector was damaged, and millions of Syrians were forced to flee their homes and livelihoods.
The Syrian Future Movement emphasizes that rebuilding Syria is not complete with the reconstruction of cities alone. It also begins with revitalizing rural Syria by supporting farmers, rehabilitating irrigation networks, reopening schools and health centers, improving roads and services, and encouraging small and medium-sized enterprises. This will create real job opportunities and reduce internal and external migration.
The Syrian Future Movement calls for the adoption of equitable development policies that achieve balance among the various governorates and regions, and empower local communities to play an active role in determining their development priorities. This aligns with its vision of service decentralization and the promotion of community participation in development.
The Syrian Future Movement also recommends the following:
- Launching a comprehensive national program for the rehabilitation of rural Syria, taking into account the specific characteristics and development needs of each region.
- Prioritizing the rehabilitation of agricultural infrastructure, particularly irrigation networks, agricultural roads, storage facilities, and markets.
- Providing accessible financing for farmers and small rural entrepreneurs to contribute to restoring production and achieving food security.
- Encouraging the return of displaced persons to their villages by providing essential services and ensuring a safe and stable environment that protects their rights and dignity.
- Supporting education, vocational training, and agricultural extension services, and empowering rural women and youth to participate in development and production.
- Strengthening partnerships between the state, the private sector, civil society organizations, and international institutions to ensure the implementation of sustainable and transparent development projects.
- Protecting agricultural lands and water resources, and adopting development policies that consider environmental sustainability and address the effects of climate change.
The Syrian Future Movement reaffirms that rural development is not merely an economic project, but an investment in the stability of the nation, strengthening its unity, and establishing justice in the distribution of development opportunities and services, thus contributing to building a modern Syria based on the rule of law, sustainable development, and human dignity.
The Syrian Future Movement believes that the revitalization of the Syrian countryside is a fundamental pillar for the revitalization of the entire nation, and that investing in people, land, and production is the optimal path to building a strong national economy and achieving comprehensive development that benefits all Syrians.
