© UNICEF/N. Charbonneau Destroyed buildings in the city of Homs, Syria. The UN chief called on the international community to support Syria in the reconstruction process Peace and Security
The country, known to the world for centuries as a crossroads of civilizations, once again stands at a crossroads. The scars of the recent war are deeply etched into local landscapes and communities that have endured years of violence, displacement and loss, but against this backdrop, shoots of hope are beginning to emerge: Syrians want security, decent work and, overall, a future in which people of all backgrounds feel like they belong to a common land.
During a landmark visit to Damascus, the UN Secretary-General was confronted with both realities of Syria at this fateful stage – the old one, which is slowly disappearing, and the new one, which is emerging right now. Antonio Guterres visited the notorious Sednaya prison, where thousands of people were tortured and killed under the previous regime. He also met with representatives of various Syrian communities, civil society, women and youth who are seeking to find a voice in the process of building the future of their country.
The UN chief said that political change, backed by international support, must ultimately lead to tangible changes in the lives of all Syrians.
Turning Point
A day earlier, the Secretary-General held talks with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, during which he reaffirmed the United Nations commitment to support the Syrian people and close cooperation with the country’s authorities during a critical period of political transformation.
“After so much suffering, the current transition period is a rare moment in the life of the nation,” Guterres told reporters on Sunday. “This is a moment of responsibility, opportunity and choice.”
Speaking about Syria as a country at a historical turning point, the Secretary General noted that Syrians are ready to shape a new future after many years of war, drawing on their own experience and following common aspirations. During his visit, Guterres said, he saw both the deep wounds left by the conflict and the determination of Syrians to move forward.
“These days I saw the scars left by years of war. “I heard stories of pain, loss, exile and fear,” said the Secretary-General. “But I also felt a sense of hope.”
Diversity as a Source of Strength
The Secretary-General highlighted Syria’s rich ethnic and religious diversity, calling it one of the country’s defining features and the foundation for lasting peace.
“This the country knows what it means to be a crossroads – of civilizations, cultures, faiths and ideas,” he said. “This diversity is one of the outstanding features of Syria.”
Guterres stressed that the success of the transition period will depend on whether all Syrians feel that they are sufficiently represented in shaping the future of their country. He noted that the aspirations he heard during his visit are universal for all peoples – security and stability, economic opportunity, accountable institutions and respect for human rights. support.
“The challenge now is to translate political change into tangible improvements in people’s daily lives,” he said. “Every Syrian should feel like an equal participant in building the future of their country.”
Welcoming recent steps by the international community that have led to the easing of sanctions and opened up new opportunities for economic recovery, Guterres called for the immediate lifting of all remaining restrictions. He stressed that rebuilding Syria will require sustained international engagement, investment and practical assistance.
“The Syrian people have shown incredible resilience during years of hardship,” the Secretary General said. “He should not bear the burden of reconstruction alone.”