UN chief hails Syria’s ‘moment of possibility’ on first visit since fall of Assad regime
Calling Syria “today the pillar of stability of the Middle East”, the UN chief said the country “stands at a moment of possibility” and urged
Calling Syria “today the pillar of stability of the Middle East”, the UN chief said the country “stands at a moment of possibility” and urged the international community to seize the opportunity to help rebuild a nation emerging from more than a decade of conflict. Addressing reporters alongside Foreign Minister Asaad al‑Shaibani, Mr. Guterres described his visit as “an extremely meaningful” one, rooted in decades of engagement with Syrians as former UN High Commissioner for Refugees and later as Secretary-General. “For years, long before becoming Secretary-General, I worked closely with Syrians,” he said, recalling communities that welcomed refugees fleeing conflict and persecution, as well as Syrian families later forced to flee their own country. Tweet URL “I met young Syrians whose hopes were simple and universal: to learn, to work, to contribute, and to live in peace.” Those experiences, he said, remained with him and helped explain why it was important for him to be in Damascus now. “Indeed, I made a conscious decision not to come to Syria since the beginning of the brutal repression of the Syrian people in 2011 until the fall of the regime.” A chance to build a new future The Secretary-General said Syrians had endured years of “hardship, loss and uncertainty” but had never lost the resilience, talent and creativity that define the country.
“Today, Syria stands at a moment of possibility. “The opportunity now is not only to recover from conflict, but to lay the foundations for a future that is more stable, more inclusive and more prosperous for all Syrians.” He stressed that rebuilding the country would require leadership and trust, while ensuring that all Syrians see themselves reflected in the nation’s future. “Above all, it will require that every Syrian sees a place for themselves in the future of their country. “And it is for Syrians to define their path forward and shape the institutions that will serve future generations.” A ‘moment for partnership and solidarity’ The UN chief warned that no country emerging from more than a decade of conflict could rebuild alone and appealed for stronger international engagement. “This is a moment that requires the international community to support Syria with determination and foresight,” he said. “Syria's recovery is a humanitarian imperative – and it is also an investment in development, in peace and regional stability.” He said the international community should help create conditions for economic recovery, restore essential services and infrastructure, expand livelihoods and employment opportunities, and support the safe, voluntary and dignified return of refugees and displaced people.
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