UN Backs Shift From Humanitarian Aid to Development in Syria
Two senior United Nations officials said during a visit to Damascus that Syria is at a pivotal stage that requires maintaining humanitarian aid while also strengthening development efforts, amid the return of large numbers of people to the country and growing humanitarian needs.
The remarks came during a press conference in New York attended remotely by UN Development Programme Administrator Alexander De Croo and UN relief chief Tom Fletcher.
The two officials held meetings with Syrian government officials and took part in launching the 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan.
Toward development support, not only humanitarian response
De Croo said that after years of conflict, Syria saw the return of more than 1.6 million people over the past year, increasing demand for housing, public services, and job opportunities.
He said providing those services is essential to ensuring returns continue, warning that failure to do so could push some people to reconsider their decision to return.
He added that needs in Syria are beginning to change, requiring a shift in funding from humanitarian response to support for development programs, while stressing that humanitarian assistance will remain necessary in the coming period.
The UNDP official also pointed to government plans that include clearing landmines from Syrian territory and ensuring that no one will be forced to remain in camps within a year, saying implementation of those plans requires international support.
He also presented an economic analysis prepared by UNDP, showing that the conflict set Syria’s development back by about a year and a half, caused economic losses estimated at around $190 billion, and pushed more than four million people into poverty across Arab countries.
16 million Syrians need support
For his part, the UN emergency relief coordinator said needs in Syria remain high, with around 16 million people requiring support.
He stressed the importance of mine clearance and accelerating humanitarian response, alongside a gradual transition toward long-term recovery.
He said the UN is working to strengthen coordination among its agencies, including joint planning and supply chains, in addition to supporting local actors and improving the efficiency of aid delivery.
He also underscored the importance of respecting international humanitarian law and protecting humanitarian workers, noting that they have come under attack while working in the region.
He added that regional escalation is affecting conditions in neighboring countries, including Lebanon, where the conflict has displaced large numbers of people.
The two officials said the current phase requires international support to invest in essential services and reinforce stability, while continuing humanitarian efforts and focusing on partnerships with national actors and on supporting a recovery process that includes all segments of society.
On Thursday, April 2, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa received UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher and UNDP Administrator Alexander De Croo, in the presence of Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani.
The meeting discussed humanitarian conditions in Syria and ways to strengthen coordination among relevant bodies and UN organizations to improve the efficiency of humanitarian work and mitigate the impact of current challenges.
The United Nations Development Programme, UNDP, is the UN’s global development network. Founded in 1965, it is the leading agency working to combat poverty, reduce inequality, and promote sustainable development in around 170 countries. The agency supports governments in policymaking, capacity building, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Syrian Foreign Ministry sets four recovery priorities
On Thursday, Syria’s Foreign Ministry, in cooperation with UN humanitarian and development organizations, launched its recovery priorities statement and the 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for Syria.
The announced recovery priorities and response plan identified four priority areas: restoring vital infrastructure, resuming basic services, strengthening social and economic resilience, and rebuilding public institutions, alongside clearing mines, explosive materials, and explosive remnants of war.
Qutaiba Qadish, director of the ministry’s International Cooperation Department, said Syria welcomes the 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan and its commitment to working, consulting, and coordinating with state institutions in a way that fully respects the country’s sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, and independence.
Qadish said the joint visit to Damascus by UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher and UNDP Administrator Alexander De Croo was the first of its kind to bring together the heads of the UN’s humanitarian and development pillars, reflecting a shared commitment to a more integrated approach to international support.
He added that it is important to continue humanitarian support to meet urgent needs while aligning with nationally defined recovery priorities, noting that Syria is calling on international partners to align their assistance and funding with national recovery priorities, strengthen national systems, and move toward a more unified and coherent approach.
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