The Syrian Future Movement is following with great interest the announcement issued by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, regarding the office’s intention to expand its operations in Syria, while continuing to respond to humanitarian needs and implement sustainable development projects.
The Executive Director of the office, Jorge Moreira da Silva, confirmed in a post on the “X” platform yesterday, Monday, that Syria stands today at a “crucial crossroads” after years of suffering and destruction. He noted that the office continues to support those in need by providing medical equipment, securing sustainable energy solutions for schools and hospitals, and contributing to mine clearance, in addition to implementing long-term development projects in cooperation with its partners.
These statements come days after the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, called on the international community to intensify its support for Syria and mobilize the necessary resources for its reconstruction. He stated that the international community is obligated to support Syria and that the country is moving in the right direction despite the challenges it faces.
First: The Syrian Future Movement appreciates this shift in the United Nations’ approach, from emergency relief to investment in sustainable development, and considers it an international recognition of the seriousness of the “New Syria” path and a readiness to support recovery and reconstruction efforts.
The Syrian Future Movement commends this step, which embodies the transition from responding to the humanitarian crisis to building the future.
We have followed with interest the statement by the Executive Director of UNOPS that the office intends to “support local communities and contribute to building a more stable and prosperous future,” which aligns with the Syrian Future Movement’s vision that sustainable development is the only way to ensure that Syria does not return to cycles of crisis.
This shift sends a clear message that the international community, represented by the United Nations, recognizes that the new Syria deserves investment and support, and that the transitional phase the country is undergoing represents a genuine opportunity to achieve stability and prosperity, as Guterres emphasized during his historic visit to Damascus on July 25 and 26, 2016.
Secondly, the Syrian Future Movement notes that this announcement coincides with the call by UN Secretary-General António Guterres for the “immediate lifting of all remaining sanctions,” in an interview with the Syrian News Channel.
We, in turn, appreciate this call, which constitutes international support for Syria’s position and legitimizes its demands to lift the unjust blockade.
We also affirm that lifting the sanctions is a fundamental condition for the success of any development projects, attracting investments, and achieving the desired economic recovery.
In this context, we recall that the World Bank estimated the cost of reconstruction in Syria at approximately $216 billion, which underscores the urgent need for an influx of international investments and aid.
Third: The Syrian Future Movement reiterates its firm positions supporting the strengthening of international cooperation and attracting investments, as published on its official website, including:
- The statement on “Syria’s Resumption of Participation in the World Customs Organization” (dated June 27, 2026), which emphasized that Syria’s return to international forums enhances opportunities for economic and investment cooperation.
- The statement on “Granting the Syrian Embassy in Washington Consular Accreditation” (dated June 29, 2026), which welcomed the American diplomatic opening and considered it a step towards normalizing relations.
- The statement on “Launch of the Syrian-British Business Council Conference” (dated July 2, 2026), which commended economic cooperation with Britain and stressed the importance of transferring expertise and modern technologies and establishing genuine international partnerships.
Fourth: The Syrian Future Movement expresses cautious optimism and offers a set of recommendations to ensure maximum benefit from this international momentum:
- Strengthening coordination between the Syrian government, UNOPS, and other UN organizations to ensure that development projects align with the country’s priorities and the needs of local communities, in line with UNOPS’s emphasis on working “in cooperation with its partners.”
- Capitalizing on Guterres’ call to lift sanctions by intensifying diplomatic and media efforts to persuade Western countries of the necessity of a complete lifting of the economic blockade, in line with Guterres’s assertion that “the international community is obligated to support Syria.”
- Building the capacities of national personnel by leveraging UNOPS’ expertise in project management, mine clearance, and renewable energy to ensure the sustainability of projects and empower Syrian personnel to lead the development process.
- Launching a national awareness campaign to inform citizens about these projects and their objectives, strengthen their trust in their state institutions, and highlight the achievements made possible through international cooperation.
The Syrian Future Movement affirms its welcome of these positive developments, which confirm Syria’s return to its rightful place as an active member of the international community.
We note that this international commitment to expanding development projects, along with Guterres’ call to lift sanctions, constitutes an irreplaceable historical opportunity.
We believe that the Syrian Interim Government and the international community are called upon today to build on this momentum and work together to ensure that these projects serve as a model for successful partnership in building the future, a source of improved lives for citizens, and a foundation for building a new Syria based on stability and prosperity.
For our part, the Syrian Future Movement will remain supportive, critical, and vigilant in this process, striving to build a new Syria based on international cooperation and sustainable development.
