Published on: 2026-07-27
Source: United Nations
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27 July 2026 Peace and Security
A country, known for centuries to the world as a crossroads of civilizations, is once again at a crossroads. The traces of the recent war are deeply embedded in the local landscapes and the lives of communities that have gone through years of violence, displacement, and loss, but against this backdrop, shoots of hope are beginning to emerge: Syrians want to find security, decent work, and, overall, a future where people of any background feel they belong to a common land.
During a landmark visit to Damascus, the UN Secretary-General encountered both realities of Syria at this momentous stage – the past, slowly fading away, and the new one, being born right now. António Guterres visited the infamous 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 strive to find their voice in the process of building the future of their country.
The UN chief stated that political changes supported by the international community should ultimately lead to tangible improvements in the lives of all Syrians.
Turning point
The day before, the Secretary-General held talks with Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, during which he reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to supporting the Syrian people and close cooperation with the country’s authorities during this critical period of political transformation.
“After so much suffering, the current transitional period is a rare moment in the life of a nation,” Guterres said to journalists on Sunday. “It is a moment of responsibility, emerging opportunities, and choice.”
Speaking of Syria as a country at a historic turning point, the Secretary-General noted that the Syrians are ready to shape a new future after many years of war, relying on their own experience and following common aspirations. During the visit, Guterres said he had witnessed both the deep wounds left by the conflict and the determination of the Syrians to move forward.
“These days I have seen scars left by years of war. I have heard stories of pain, loss, exile, and fear,” said the Secretary-General. “But alongside this, I have felt a sense of hope.”
Diversity as a source of strength
The Secretary-General emphasized the rich ethnic and religious diversity of Syria, calling it one of the defining features of the country and a foundation for lasting peace.
“This country knows what it means to be a crossroads – of civilizations, cultures, faiths, and ideas,” he said. “This diversity is one of Syria’s outstanding features.”
Guterres emphasized that the success of the transitional period will depend on whether all Syrians feel sufficiently represented in the process of shaping the future of their country. He noted that the aspirations he heard during the visit are universal for all peoples – security and stability, economic opportunities, accountable institutions, and respect for human rights.
Recovery is a common cause
The Secretary-General used his visit to Syria to make a persistent appeal to international partners: political changes must be accompanied by significant external support.
“The task now is to turn political changes into tangible improvements in people’s daily lives,” he said. “Every Syrian must 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 new opportunities for economic recovery, Guterres called for the immediate lifting of all remaining restrictions. He emphasized that the restoration of Syria will require sustained international engagement, investment, and practical assistance.
“The Syrian people have shown incredible resilience during years of hardship,” said the Secretary-General. “They should not bear the burden of reconstruction alone.”
International assistance, he said, will also be needed so that refugees and displaced persons can voluntarily return home in safe and dignified conditions.
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