The Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor organized a high-level technical workshop titled Data Governance and Social Protection in Syria at the Qudrat Center in Damascus, in cooperation with several international organizations.
The event brought together representatives of the National Commission for Social Protection, alongside delegates from the World Bank, World Food Program (WFP), UNICEF and the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Toward a Unified National Framework
Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Hind Qabawat stressed the urgent need to establish a unified national framework governing social protection data, describing it as essential to addressing current challenges and building an integrated system based on clearly defined roles and responsibilities.
She said such a framework promotes fairness, efficiency and public trust, while enabling sustainable financial planning through accurate cost assessments and prioritized spending. Qabawat also underscored the importance of maintaining high standards of data protection and developing a nationally led initiative that strengthens institutional sovereignty, paving the way for a comprehensive and integrated social protection system.
Data as a Pillar of Social Justice
Minister of Finance Muhammad Barnieh affirmed the government’s commitment to allocating sufficient funding to core social protection sectors, particularly health and education. He emphasized that financial allocations must be grounded in reliable and accurate data. Barnieh called for intensified coordination to organize data and improve service delivery within a clear action plan aimed at reducing poverty and reinforcing the overall social protection framework.
Echoing this perspective, Anas Saleem, head of the Planning and Statistics Commission, said transparent and precise data management is fundamental to achieving social justice and improving public service efficiency. He noted that up-to-date evidence allows policymakers to better assess realities and define national priorities.
Building Integrated Digital Infrastructure
Abdullah Daaboul, representing the Ministry of Communications and Technology, highlighted the importance of establishing an integrated digital infrastructure built around a unified national database. He stressed enhanced electronic connectivity among government institutions is critical for effective decision-making, while also emphasizing the need to safeguard information security and protect citizen data and digital platforms.
World Bank representative Jean-Christophe Carret reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting Syria’s efforts to develop a robust and effective social protection system, stressing that close coordination and clearly defined stakeholder roles are key to strengthening national capacities in this field.
