The Syrian Development Fund (SYDP) is an economic institution aiming to contribute to the reconstruction, restoration, and development of infrastructure, including all services and facilities that support citizens’ daily lives, such as roads, bridges, water, electricity, airports, ports and communications networks. It also finances various projects through loans.
This Fund has a comprehensive vision that seeks to unify the efforts of the state, civil society, the private sector, and the people of Syria at home and abroad. It also seeks to ensure transparency in resource management, create tangible job opportunities, and implement service and economic projects that improve the lives of our people in every governorate, city, and village.
Launched on September 4 with the presence of President Ahmad al-Sharaa, the first activities of the SYDF were occurred at the Damascus Citadel. Eleven-year-old Mahmoud, opened the campaign with one dollar. The child was rescued from the rubble by civil defense teams after being trapped for over 16 hours following the bombardment of Aleppo in 2014 by the Assad regime. He was just 10 days old at the time.
The donation campaign featured numerous highlights, the most notable of which was the Syrian presidency’s announcement of a donation of $20 million, the proceeds of a public auction of four luxury cars belonging to the Assad family that had previously been confiscated. President Sharaa ordered the return of their value to the Syrian people. Donations exceeded $61 million in one hour.
Regional and Local Initiatives
Drawing inspiration from the national campaign local drives have begun throughout the country. On September 11, the Deir al-Ezz campaign was launched at the municipal stadium in Deir Ezzor, aiming to support reconstruction projects and services in the governorate. The donations have exceeded over $32 million until now.
The same day, the residents of the town of Kafrouma in the Idlib countryside launched a large-scale popular campaign under the slogan “Loyalty to Kafrouma, Mother of Martyrs.” The campaign aims to improve basic services in the town, which has suffered extensive destruction as a result of the bombing and looting it endured during the years of the Syrian revolution.
The campaign focuses on restoring damaged infrastructure and repairing primarily schools, with the aim of restoring educational and social life to the town. Since its launch, the campaign has witnessed remarkable public participation, with donations exceeding $150,000 reflecting a spirit of solidarity and belonging.
From Damascus to Deir Ezzor and small towns like Kafrouma, these campaigns highlight a growing conviction among Syrians that the task of rebuilding cannot be dependent on external aid. By pooling resources, auctioning state assets, and launching grassroots initiatives, citizens and institutions alike are taking ownership of their country’s recovery. In doing so, they not only repair homes and schools but are laying the foundation for a future built on unity, resilience, and collective responsibility.
