Published on: 2026-07-26
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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July 25, 2026 Peace and Security
Syria has the opportunity not only to recover from the conflict but also to build a more stable, inclusive, and prosperous future, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in Damascus on Saturday, beginning his landmark visit to the country.
Calling Syria “a pillar of stability in the Middle East,” the head of the UN noted that the country is “on the threshold of new opportunities,” and urged the international community to seize this moment to help in the recovery of the state that has endured years of conflict.
Speaking to journalists alongside the country’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, Guterres described his visit as “extremely significant.” The UN chief recalled his many years of interaction with Syrians – first as the former UN High Commissioner for Refugees, and later as Secretary-General.
“For many years, long before I became Secretary-General, I worked closely with the Syrians,” he said.
“I have met young Syrians whose hopes were simple and universal: to study, to work, to contribute, and to live in peace,” added the UN chief.
The Secretary-General noted that he “consciously decided not to come to Syria from the beginning of the brutal repressions against the Syrian people in 2011 until the fall of the regime.”
A chance to build a new future
The Secretary-General noted that the Syrians have endured years of “deprivation, losses, and uncertainty,” but have never lost the resilience, talent, and creative potential that are their distinctive traits.
“Today Syria stands on the threshold of new opportunities,” Guterres said.
“She now has a chance not only to recover from the conflict but also to lay the foundations for a more stable, inclusive, and prosperous future,” he added.
The UN chief emphasized: to restore the country, it is necessary to ensure that all Syrians see themselves as part of the nation’s future.
“First and foremost, it is necessary for every Syrian to see a place for themselves in the future of their country. And it is precisely the Syrians who must determine their path forward and shape the institutions that will serve future generations,” stated Guterres.
Syria needs international support
The UN Secretary-General warned that no country that has experienced more than ten years of conflict will be able to recover on its own, and called for more active international support for Syria.
“The time has now come for the international community to support Syria,” he said.
“Restoring Syria is a humanitarian imperative as well as an investment in development, peace, and regional stability,” the Secretary-General added.
Guterres stated that the international community must facilitate the creation of conditions for the recovery of the country’s economy and infrastructure, the resumption of key services, expanded employment opportunities, as well as the return of refugees and displaced persons.
“International financial institutions and development partners are also called upon to play an important role in facilitating Syria’s recovery of access to regional and global economic opportunities,” the Secretary-General said.
Emphasizing the role of the UN, Guterres stated that the Organization is ready to support Syria throughout the entire transitional period.
Sovereignty and territorial integrity
The Secretary-General also reiterated that the UN supports the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Syria.
“Violations of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are unacceptable and must stop,” he said.
Touching on the events around the Golan Heights, Guterres added: “What is happening in the region around the Golan Heights is completely unacceptable.”
“I would like to remind the international community that the Golan Heights is Syrian territory,” said the Secretary-General.
Later, responding to journalists’ questions about Israel’s actions in Syria, the head of the UN stated: “We consider the current situation unacceptable and that it must be ended.” He also noted that UN personnel on site are working to mitigate the consequences of the current events.
Acknowledging the existence of disagreements in the UN Security Council, Guterres promised to continue defending this position: “What belongs to Syria belongs to Syria and cannot be taken away from it,” added the Secretary-General.
The visit continues
This visit marked the Secretary-General’s first trip to Syria since the fall of the Assad regime. During his stay in the country, he is expected to meet with President Ahmed al-Sharaa and other senior officials, with peacekeepers from the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), as well as with women’s organizations and representatives of civil society.
On Monday, Guterres will address the new People’s Assembly of the Syrian Arab Republic, after which he will go to Cyprus.
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