The recent developments in Syria, marked by the departure of President Bashar al-Assad and the rise of a new ruling alliance led by Haiat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have brought significant changes to the region. HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has committed to respecting minority rights and plans for a new constitution and elections within four years.
Throughout the 14-year civil war, German development cooperation remained active, adapting its focus from infrastructure projects to supporting people through various initiatives. The KfW Development Bank played a crucial role, establishing the Syria Recovery Trust Fund (SRTF) with support from multiple international donors including Germany, the United Arab Emirates, and the USA. This fund aimed to aid areas under moderate opposition control in Syria.
KfW collaborated with several UN organizations and NGOs to improve living conditions outside government-controlled regions. UNICEF focused on enhancing school infrastructure and providing psychosocial support for children affected by the war. UN-Habitat worked on rehabilitating public infrastructure through community workshops. UNDP emphasized job creation as a means of encouraging returnees from neighboring countries. Meanwhile, the Aga Khan Foundation supported smallholder farmers to stabilize food security.
A 'Syria window' is being developed under the Building for Peace facility to further reconstruction efforts in Syria, funded by grants passed through local NGOs by the Norwegian Refugee Council.
Since its inception in 2013, SRTF has managed financial contributions from donor states effectively, focusing on areas controlled by moderate opposition forces. It has successfully reached 14 million people with essential services and opportunities.
Two notable SRTF projects include an agricultural initiative that boosted livestock productivity in Ar-Raqqa governorate and a healthcare program that improved medical services in Deir-ez-Zor governorate.