The Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management has officially launched its national volunteering platform during a ceremony at the National Library in Damascus, attended by government ministers, the Qatari ambassador, representatives of the Saudi Embassy, humanitarian organizations, volunteer teams, and cultural figures.
Building a National Volunteer System
Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management Raed al-Saleh described the platform as a cornerstone for building a flexible, sustainable national volunteer system strengthening community preparedness while supporting effective emergency and disaster response. He emphasized that disaster response cannot rely solely on government institutions, but requires an organized partnership with society through trained auxiliary volunteer teams capable of rapid and coordinated mobilization.
Saleh stressed that volunteering is not limited to crisis moments, but is a key component of recovery and reconstruction, noting that rebuilding Syria is a shared national responsibility rather than the task of official institutions alone.
‘A Volunteer in Every Home’
The ministry’s long-term vision, according to Saleh, is to gradually reach the goal of having at least one trained volunteer in every Syrian household. This approach aims to embed volunteering into daily life, strengthening national identity, and integrating volunteerism into the country’s community safety framework.
He explained the newly launched platform serves as a practical tool organizing volunteer efforts, qualifying participants, and linking them directly to real needs on the ground through a transparent institutional framework.
Organizing Efforts and Expanding Participation
Ahmad Yazji, Director of the Volunteering Department at the ministry, said the platform is the result of six months of preparatory work and represents the beginning of a new phase in organized volunteer action. The platform is designed to ensure equal access and structured participation across age groups and specialties.
Yazji noted that the ministry aims to attract over 5,000 volunteers through training camps and field programs covering various emergency and humanitarian sectors, enhancing the country’s capacity for effective response during disasters.
Regional Support and Recognition
Qatari Ambassador Khalifa Abdullah al-Mahmoud welcomed the initiative, describing it as a reflection of advanced awareness of the importance of organized humanitarian work and national readiness. He emphasized that volunteering strengthens social cohesion during crises and affirmed Qatar’s continued support for initiatives building sustainable national capacities and protect lives.
The launch of the platform marks a significant institutional step toward mobilizing Syrian societal energies, reinforcing disaster preparedness, and embedding volunteerism as a core value in national life.
