In a video address to the 79th session of the World Health Assembly, Sharaa said the world faces growing challenges requiring international cooperation centered on human health and long-term stability. President Ahmad al-Sharaa said Syria is working to become an active partner in global health security as the country continues its recovery and reconstruction efforts.
“I address you today from Damascus at a moment when the world faces challenges requiring a shared international resolve, one that prioritizes human health and lays the foundation for a more secure and equitable future,” he said. Sharaa added Syria’s participation in the assembly reflects the country’s intention to play a more active role in shaping regional and global health security as it advances on its path to recovery.
Rebuilding Syria’s Health System
Sharaa said Syria’s national vision places “human health first” describing healthcare as a sustainable national priority. He noted authorities are working to rebuild the country’s health system in a way that ensures equal access to services across all parts of Syria.
The address framed healthcare reform and environmental recovery as connected components of Syria’s broader reconstruction agenda. With Sharaa linking reconstruction efforts to environmental sustainability, referencing the assembly’s emphasis on the relationship between climate change and health.
“As your esteemed Assembly places the strong interconnection between climate change and health at the forefront of its priorities, Syria’s reconstruction process is establishing a sustainable environmental and health reality that safeguards the security of our future generations,” he said.
Plans to End Camp Displacement
Sharaa said the Syrian government has committed to closing displacement camps by 2027, describing the effort as part of an ongoing strategy promoting stability and addressing climate-related vulnerabilities.
“Because human stability is the essence of sustainability, we have committed nationally to closing the page on displacement camps by 2027,” he said. He added returning displaced people from fragile living conditions to stable communities represents a practical step toward protecting populations from the effects of climate change while restoring dignity and security.
Seeking International Cooperation
Sharaa said Syria’s years of conflict and crisis have strengthened the country’s resilience and positioned it to contribute to global health security efforts. He also praised Syrians living abroad, describing them as an important national resource in the country’s reconstruction process.
Concluding his remarks, Sharaa called for stronger international partnerships based on cooperation and the exchange of expertise. “With this in mind, Syria is present today to forge constructive partnerships based on the exchange of expertise and resources to serve human health,” he said.
