The Damascus Conference Palace hosted the “Dialogue Day with Syrian Civil Society,” an event held for the first time in Syria in cooperation between the Syrian government and the EU. The gathering brought together hundreds of participants from Syrian civil society organizations, NGOs, representatives of the Syrian government, the EU and its member states, neighboring countries, and the UN.
A Strong Partnership and a First Step
The event served as a platform for exchanging views and experiences, with the aim of helping shape policies that direct international support toward the priorities of the Syrian people. Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani said the dialogue “launches a strong partnership with civil society and our partners in the EU,” describing civil society as “a mirror of the pulse of the street and a bridge between the state and society.”
Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Hind Qabawat added that rebuilding Syria “can only be achieved through a strong partnership between the state and society, built on mutual respect and trust,” stressing the role of civil society in planning, implementation, and accountability.
European Support and an Opportunity for Expression
Olof Skoog, deputy secretary-general of the European External Action Service, stated that the event “represents an opportunity for Syrians to express their views on the future of their country,” noting that holding “Dialogue Day” in Damascus reflects the EU’s continued support for the Syrian people in their pursuit of justice and social cohesion.
Michael Onmacht, chargé d’affaires of the EU Delegation to Syria, said the gathering offered “ample space for exchange and constructive discussion,” enabling participants to present their perspectives on key issues.
Civil Society Activists’ Reactions
Civil society representatives underlined the importance of holding such an event inside Syria. Engineer Fares Asaad, a humanitarian activist, said the discussions addressed issues affecting citizens, “particularly the files of transitional justice and the missing,” and that dialogue opens the door to a broader partnership between organizations and state institutions.
Community activist Nadine Taha said “dialogue is the foundation for building justice and transparency and strengthening the pillars of a modern state,” describing the conference as “a starting point toward greater social cohesion and achieving justice and accountability.”
A Step Towards the Future
“Dialogue Day,” traditionally held within the framework of the annual Brussels Conference on Syria, marks a practical step to reinforce the role of civil society in the coming phase. Participants such as Mikhail al-Sayoufi called for expanding these meetings to various governorates to support democracy and promote civil peace.
With this event, Syria opens a new chapter of dialogue that brings together the state, civil society, and international partners in pursuit of reconstruction and the aspirations of the Syrian people for stability and justice.
