This side event is planned to facilitate discussions on the current state of Syrian civil society and the nature of interactions between diaspora and in-country actors. The goal is to explore ways to bridge these divides and identify partnership models that are supported by involved stakeholders. Speakers from various backgrounds will share their perspectives and lessons learned, including insights from initiatives like the Takamul Fund, promoting novel models for collaboration.

Bridging the gap between diaspora and local CSOs in Syria is not just a matter of enhancing operational efficiency or resource allocation; it's a critical step towards rebuilding a fragmented nation from the grassroots up, ensuring a more cohesive and unified approach to addressing the complex challenges in the event of post-conflict recovery and reconciliation. In doing so, the collective efforts of CSOs can become an effective driver for peace, stability, and the restoration of a sense of national identity and community cohesion.

Agenda

1. The German Government’s assistance to Syrian civil society in Syria and beyond

2. Status quo of the inside – outside relations of Syrian civil society actors

3. Takamul Small Grants Fund for Syrian Civil Society (panel discussion)

• Presentations of joint initiatives by panelists
• Sharing of lessons learned by GIZ

4. Open discussion

Speakers (TBC)

David Löw, Senior Syria Desk Officer, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)

Marie Gerlach (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH)

Christin Lüttich (Adopt a Revolution (about:syria Fund)

Rand Sabbagh (Syrian Female Journalists Network)

Dellair Youssef (Untold Stories e.V.)

Karam Hilly (Door Beyond War)

Dr. Nora Ragab (Researcher)