Syria is taking part in the Second World Summit for Social Development held in Doha, Qatar, through the Ministry of Public Works and Housing. The ministry’s participation centers on the housing sessions organized by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) under the theme “Adequate Housing Solutions as a Foundation for Social Development.”
The Syrian delegation was represented by Engineer Ayman Mutlaq, director general of the General Housing Establishment. Officials said the participation reflects Syria’s commitment to contributing to global discussions on sustainable social development and to sharing experiences with international experts and specialists.
Housing as a Cornerstone of Social Development
The conference serves as a major platform to review progress in social development three decades after the first summit in Copenhagen, Denmark, which affirmed that adequate housing is a fundamental human right under international law.
Syria’s position at the summit highlights that housing is more than a physical structure, it is a central component of building sustainable, inclusive, and cohesive communities. The ministry emphasized that adequate housing is linked to broader social outcomes, including health, education, family stability, and security, and remains essential for ensuring human dignity and societal resilience.
Reconstruction and the Path Toward Sustainable Communities
Syria’s participation comes as the country continues to confront major challenges in the housing and reconstruction sectors. The Ministry of Public Works and Housing is working to rehabilitate damaged infrastructure and complete projects delayed by conflict. Officials underscored that these efforts aim to facilitate the return of displaced citizens, secure land tenure, and restore property rights.
The ministry noted that its strategic goals extend beyond simply rebuilding homes. The broader vision focuses on developing integrated and sustainable urban communities that meet environmental and social standards, creating a foundation for long-term development. Providing adequate housing, it stressed, is a pillar of social stability and economic recovery, directly supporting Syria’s wider sustainable development agenda.
Renewing the Global Commitment to Social Justice
The summit, which convened over 8,000 delegates, including heads of state, ministers, UN representatives, civil society, academia, and the private sector, aims to reaffirm the global commitment to social justice and inclusive development.
Running until February 6, the Doha World Summit for Social Development seeks to translate international pledges into concrete action that places human well-being at the core of sustainable growth. Syria’s active participation underscores its determination to engage in cooperative international efforts that promote social equity, sustainable reconstruction, and development based on shared global values.
