Khaberni - The ninth edition of the "Dialogue Day" event launched on Saturday, held for the first time in the Syrian capital Damascus, after previously being held in Brussels as part of the Brussels Conferences on Syria organized by the European Union.
The event reflects the European Union's long-standing commitment to supporting the Syrian people, with this year's edition focusing on civil society within Syria, following a series of preparatory consultations conducted across the country, in collaboration with Syrian civil society organizations and Syrian transitional authorities.
The 2025 "Dialogue Day" focuses on empowering Syrian civil society to play an active role in the peaceful and inclusive transition within the country. With the theme: "A Dialogue Day with Syrian Civil Society: A First Step towards Organized Dialogue with the Syrian Government and the European Union,"
The conference brings together 500 participants from Syrian civil society organizations and non-governmental organizations, along with representatives from the Syrian transitional authorities, the European Union and its member states, neighboring countries, the United Nations, and international non-governmental organizations.
Participants will discuss the key priorities for the transition period in Syria, based on consultations held with Syrian civil society in various regions. The themes include transitional justice, social cohesion, transitioning from humanitarian aid to social and economic recovery, and youth empowerment.
Organizing "Dialogue Day" in Damascus represents an important step in the European Union's support for a safe, effective, and independent civic space within Syria, affirming its readiness to accompany Syrians on their path toward reconciliation and social cohesion.
The European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas stated, "After decades of brutal dictatorship, Syria now has an opportunity to rebuild the country in a way that reflects the will of the Syrian people. Having a safe, independent, and vibrant civic space is a fundamental part of this path. Today's event allows Syrians to express their opinions about the future of their country and make their voices heard."
She added that the European Union's support for Syria is not limited to words but also includes actions, as the Union provides approximately 2.5 billion euros in aid to contribute to the country's reconstruction.
The Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, said, "Organizing Dialogue Day for the first time inside Syria reflects the European Union's ongoing support for integration and reconciliation and the presence of a safe and active civic space in the country. This event confirms our readiness to support Syrians on their path towards justice, social cohesion, and a peaceful transition where no one is overlooked."
The Commissioner for Readiness and Crisis Management, Hagia Labib, stated:
"Fourteen years after the conflict, organizing Dialogue Day in Damascus marks a historic milestone; as Syrians from various spectrums come together in a fully Syrian-led dialogue on how to rebuild their country. Today, Syria stands at a pivotal moment filled with opportunities and responsibilities."
She added, "During my visit to Syria this year, I met members of civil society who returned to their homeland to begin rebuilding their communities. Their courage and commitment provide hope for the future.
She emphasized that the European Union "always stands by Syrian civil society and will continue to do so, providing humanitarian assistance and recovery aid to the most vulnerable as long as there is a need, and supporting Syria's transition from humanitarian aid to sustainable economic recovery that improves the daily lives of all Syrians."
Over the past fourteen years, the European Union has provided unwavering and unprecedented support to Syrian civil society, seeing it as a pillar of resilience, integration, and civic engagement, with more than 38 billion euros in humanitarian aid and resilience enhancement, making it the largest donor in the response to the Syrian crisis.
Last June, a package worth 175 million euros was also announced to support social and economic recovery in Syria.
"Dialogue Day" is traditionally held within the framework of the annual Brussels Conference on Syria, an interactive platform for dialogue with civil society organizations and non-governmental organizations operating inside Syria and in the region, aiming to exchange views and experiences, and contribute to shaping the policies that guide international support.
