The international community celebrates the International Day of Hope on July 12th, a significant international occasion established by the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution 78/271.
This day aims to solidify hope as a driving force for building and development, a catalyst for overcoming geopolitical crises, and a catalyst for international efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This year’s celebration comes amidst stifling international and local challenges, necessitating the transformation of hope from a mere abstract concept into concrete development action plans that lift communities out of poverty and despair.
The Syrian Future Movement believes that instilling hope in the hearts of Syrians must be based on a realistic foundation that addresses the shocking figures released by the United Nations, which confirm that the percentage of Syrians living below the poverty line has exceeded 90%. This makes instilling hope a political and moral responsibility to break the cycle of economic and social despair.
The Syrian Future Movement affirms that restoring hope is directly linked to ending human suffering, citing reports and data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which indicate that there are approximately 10.4 million Syrians, both internally displaced and refugees abroad. This is despite widespread returns that have reduced the number of refugees abroad to 4.9 million and internally displaced persons to 5.5 million.
We believe that the success of the transitional phase and the building of modern state institutions are the true path to restoring hope for these displaced people through a dignified and voluntary return.
The Syrian Future Movement emphasizes the necessity of channeling the promising energies of young people into genuine developmental structures, especially since demographic statistics show that Syrian society is over 60% young. This represents a tremendous human resource, and the Movement is committed to defending their right to intellectual and economic empowerment to stem the ongoing emigration and high unemployment rates.
The Syrian Future Movement links the aspirations of the Syrian people to the international community through a civilized, ethical, and values-based approach. It believes that the commitment of international organizations to their financial and humanitarian pledges—given the unprecedented and severe funding shortfall of over 78% in the 2026 humanitarian response plans for Syria, which threatens the cessation of essential services for millions of beneficiaries—is the true test of the international system’s credibility in supporting the stability of developing and post-conflict societies.
The Syrian Future Movement is committed to working towards creating the necessary political and social conditions for the success of the transitional phase in Syria. It believes that reviving hope is structurally integrated with activating the justice system as a fundamental condition for stability, in order to build a state of law and inclusive Syrian citizenship that ends the eras of marginalization and exclusion.
The Syrian Future Movement recommends the following:
- Establishing an independent “National Fund for Supporting Youth Projects,” managed in partnership between the Syrian private sector and international development organizations (such as the UNDP), to finance youth entrepreneurship projects and reduce unemployment rates through sustainable mechanisms.
- The Syrian Future Movement calls on the Ministry of Education and relevant civil society organizations during the transitional phase to integrate mental health and war-related trauma programs as core components of the curriculum. This aims to rehabilitate the younger generation and cultivate an optimistic and productive character.
- The Syrian Future Movement proposes the formation of an independent judicial and human rights body with broad powers. This body would be tasked with uncovering the fate of the missing and compensating victims, thereby closing these painful chapters and building civil peace on a solid legal foundation that guarantees future security for society.
- The Movement also calls for directing international support towards “early recovery projects” by urging UN agencies and donor countries to redirect at least 50% of temporary direct relief budgets to infrastructure rehabilitation projects (such as schools, water stations, and alternative energy sources). These projects are essential for ensuring the stability of the population in their areas and providing them with tangible hope for daily life.
Inspired by the significance of this International Day, the Syrian Future Movement reaffirms its commitment and unwavering confidence in the Syrian people’s ability to overcome crises and move together towards a state of freedom, dignity, justice, and a promising, stable future.
