In a move to promote a culture of excellence and structured decision-making, the Engineering Management and Business Solution Group (EMBSG) officially launched the “Quality Club” during a ceremony held at the Museum Hall of the University of Damascus.
Described as the first comprehensive platform of its kind in Syria, the club aims to bring together quality professionals from international organizations, government bodies and the private sector. The event was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture and the University of Damascus as supporting partners, along with delegates from over 60 public and private institutions, as well as Arab and international organizations operating in Syria.
A Strategic and Unprecedented Step
Israa Hamdan, Director of the EMBSG, told Levant24 the club represents a practical outcome of the Syria Deserves conference held two months earlier. She described the launch in Damascus as an unprecedented strategic step and the first independent Syrian platform dedicated to dialogue on quality standards and evidence-based decision-making across sectors.
“We are an independent platform seeking to include all sectors, industrial, food, banking, pharmaceutical and even international organizations,” Hamdan stated. She referenced international experiences such as Japan and the US, where accredited quality institutions emerged from similar initiatives following periods of crisis and reconstruction.
Hamdan also revealed that over five international organizations have expressed support for the initiative. “Syria deserves the best, and the Quality Club is a first step toward building strong institutions capable of making a real difference,” she added.
The University as a Key Partner
Dr. Ahad Yunis Vice Rector for Scientific Affairs at the University of Damascus, emphasized the university’s commitment to advancing quality standards and supporting related scientific activities. She noted that integrating quality concepts into academic curricula has become a priority.
“Quality is an essential element of the teaching process due to its role in improving administrative performance, boosting productivity, enhancing marketing capacity and supporting economic development,” she said.
Agriculture Ministry Leads Quality Drive
Saeed Ibrahim, Director of Planning at the Ministry of Agriculture, stressed quality has become central to the ministry’s strategy, particularly in ensuring product safety, compliance with standards and improved competitiveness in domestic and export markets.
He said the ministry is embedding quality principles across its programs while coordinating with other ministries, agricultural chambers, the private sector and international organizations to expand awareness and implementation.
Academic Engagement Strengthens Initiative
Dr. Khalid al-Assas, Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, described the Quality Club as an effective bridge linking academic institutions with government agencies and the public and private sectors. He said such collaboration ensures alignment with the latest scientific and technical developments, ultimately supporting Syria’s long-term development goals.
