SPARK welcomes the recent announcements to lift sanctions on Syria following the fall of the Assad regime. This decision represents a critical turning point in efforts to restart recovery and offers the Syrian people a long-overdue chance to rebuild their lives with dignity. We urge that this policy shift be implemented swiftly and without obstruction, ensuring that it translates into real improvements on the ground.

The removal of sanctions presents a unique opportunity to move beyond survival and toward long-term stability and growth. For years, economic restrictions have not only deepened the hardship of daily life for Syrians but also stifled investment in the country’s recovery. It is now time for the international community to reinvest in the social and economic systems that will determine Syria’s future, including education, entrepreneurship, and inclusive job creation.

SPARK is already laying the foundations for its renewed engagement in Syria. In early 2025, we convened an IGNITE event in Damascus, where we initiated conversations with local organisations, educators, and business leaders. These discussions have since evolved into a set of planned interventions designed to support sustainable recovery across the country and the region.

Our efforts in Syria will focus on expanding access to vocational training and scholarships for both Syrian refugees in Jordan and returnees resettling in Syria. We aim to support job placement in sectors such as healthcare, construction, agriculture, and information technology, all of which are vital to national rebuilding. At the same time, we are working to transform Syria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by supporting start-ups, enhancing job-matching services, and investing in digital skills and micro-grants for young innovators. These programmes are designed to equip individuals with the tools they need to thrive and to contribute meaningfully to Syria’s economic regeneration.

“Lifting the sanctions is an important step, but it is just the beginning. The real work lies ahead: rebuilding lives, economies, and institutions. We stand ready to partner with local organisations and donors to support Syria’s next chapter” said Christel Bultman, CEO of SPARK. 

With meaningful international support and strong local leadership, this moment holds the potential to initiate a genuine and lasting recovery that is grounded in opportunity, dignity, and the right of Syrians to shape their own future.