Home > Updates > Event Summary

Syria Forward: Building Foundations to Address the Political, Security, Economic and Social Challenges & Possible Contributions from the International Community

Event Summary

Contributed by Global Institute for Strategic Research, Stimson Center

Posted 17 November 2025

   

This forum, jointly organised by GISR and Stimson Centre, follows the historic UN speech of Ahmad Al Sharaa, the first by a Syrian head of State in 60 years. It brought together senior officials from Syria’s new administration, regional diplomats, and international policy experts, primarily from the United States, to build further on the earlier two events on the optimal path for Syria to build its foundations to address the multifaceted political, security, economic, and social challenges besieging the country.

The discussions were structured into two primary sessions: the first, titled “Transition toward a sustainable democratic society,” focused on the political, security, and social challenges, and the second, titled “Meeting the challenges of a shattered Syrian economy,” focused on the economic challenges confronting the new Syrian administration. A prevailing theme was the recognition of the immense baggage inherited from the Assad regime, a cautious optimism about the ability of the new Syrian administration to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges, recognition of security threats from a belligerent Israel, Iran and ISIS and the necessity of inclusive governance, security sector integration and innovative economic strategies.

Downloads

Download

GISR - Stimson Syria Forward Forum Report

PDF

Geography
topics
Stay Informed

Receive email updates about the Global Governance Innovation Network and related research.

You can opt out at any time. Read our privacy policy.

Scroll to Top