Given the importance of the Brussels Conference as the main annual international forum to discuss the Syrian crisis with its different stakeholders and various dimensions and considering the need to focus on the cultural and societal dimensions of the Syrian crisis, the Syrian Negotiation Commission (SNC) proposes organising a Cultural Evening on the margins of the Brussels VIII Conference. The cultural evening will be dedicated to the role of Syrian artists and will feature former Syrian detainees.

This emphasis on Syrian detainees echoes the United Nations’ efforts to establish an Independent Institution on Missing Persons in Syria1. Hence, this Evening will help boost the initiative and connect different stakeholders. It will also contribute to amplifying the much-needed Syrian voices in this process, as well as it will promote the presence of the SNC at the international level.

Initial agenda:
• Keynote Speeches: by Dr Bader Jamous.
• Literary recitations dedicated to prison’s literature.
• A concert by the Ornina Syrian Orchestra. The Ornina Syrian Orchestra, which offers traditional and classical Syrian music, is made up of professional Syrian artists, many of them reside in Europe. The Syria-Europe linkage that Ornina presents echoes the need for more integration of the Syrian diaspora community in Europe and emphasizes the importance of cultural exchange.