Syria Secures $14 Billion in Strategic Investments to Advance Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Sustainable Development Goals

Syria’s new government has announced the signing of 12 strategic projects with international partners, totaling $14 billion in investments. These initiatives are designed to rebuild the nation’s war-ravaged economy and infrastructure, with a significant focus on aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The agreements represent a critical step in the country’s post-conflict recovery following the ouster of the previous administration in December.

Fostering Economic Growth and Resilient Infrastructure (SDG 8 & SDG 9)

The core of the investment package is aimed at revitalizing key infrastructure, directly contributing to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). The projects are expected to create substantial employment opportunities and stimulate economic activity. The Syrian Investment Authority confirmed the following key agreements:

• A $4 billion project with Qatar’s UCC Holding for the redevelopment of Damascus airport.
• A $2 billion deal with the United Arab Emirates national investment corporation to establish a metro system in Damascus.
• A $2 billion Damascus Towers real estate project with the Italian-based company UBAKO.
• A $500 million agreement for the Baramkeh Towers project.
• A $60 million agreement for the development of Baramkeh Mall.

Talal al-Hilali, head of the Syrian Investment Authority, stated that these projects “will extend across Syria and represent a qualitative shift in infrastructure and economic life,” marking a “turning point” for the nation’s future.

Building Sustainable Cities and Fostering Global Partnerships (SDG 11 & SDG 17)

The urban development projects in Damascus are central to achieving SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by creating inclusive, safe, and resilient urban spaces. The establishment of a modern public transit system like the metro is a cornerstone of sustainable urban development.

These agreements exemplify SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), showcasing a renewed international collaboration to support Syria’s reconstruction. The recent lifting of sanctions by the United States and the European Union has been instrumental in facilitating these partnerships. The signing ceremony was attended by President Ahmed al-Sharaa and U.S. special envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, who congratulated the authorities on the accomplishment.

Broader Reconstruction Efforts and Sector-Specific Investments

The recent $14 billion package is part of a wider international effort to meet the United Nations’ estimated $400 billion reconstruction cost for Syria. Other significant recent investments underscore this global commitment:

1. Energy Sector (SDG 7): In May, a $7 billion deal was signed with a consortium of Qatari, Turkish, and U.S. companies to revive Syria’s power sector, directly addressing SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).
2. Infrastructure Partnerships (SDG 9): In July, Saudi Arabia pledged $6.4 billion in investment and partnership deals for Syrian infrastructure.
3. Port Development (SDG 8 & 9): Also in July, an $800 million agreement was signed with UAE-based DP World to develop the port of Tartous, enhancing trade and economic growth.

Context: Promoting Peace and Strong Institutions (SDG 16)

These economic developments occur as the new government works to establish stability and build strong institutions, a key objective of SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). By securing foreign investment and focusing on reconstruction, the authorities are actively working to transition from a state of conflict to one of peace and prosperity, despite recent challenges such as sectarian violence in Suwayda province.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article on Syria’s reconstruction efforts addresses several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by focusing on rebuilding the country’s economy, infrastructure, and societal stability after a prolonged civil war. The key SDGs identified are:

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The article’s central theme is the revival of Syria’s “war-ravaged economy” through massive investment deals aimed at creating “trade and prosperity.”
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: The text explicitly details numerous large-scale projects to reconstruct and develop critical infrastructure, including transportation (airport, metro, port), energy (power sector), and real estate.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: Many of the investment projects are focused on urban renewal in the capital, Damascus, such as the new metro system, airport expansion, and construction of towers and a mall, which are essential for urban life.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: The entire context is post-conflict reconstruction under a new government. The article mentions the “overthrow of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad,” efforts to quell “sectarian violence,” and the establishment of new authorities working to rebuild the nation, which are fundamental aspects of building peace and strong institutions.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The article highlights extensive international cooperation. It details investment deals with companies and governments from Qatar, the UAE, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the US. The lifting of international sanctions is also a key element of this partnership.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the specific projects and goals mentioned in the article, the following targets can be identified:

1. Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure.
   • Explanation: This target is directly addressed through the announcement of “12 major strategic projects in infrastructure, transportation and real estate.” Specific examples include the Damascus airport project, the establishment of a metro in the capital, and the development of the port of Tartous.
2. Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all.
   • Explanation: The “$2bn deal… to establish a metro in the Syrian capital” and the “$4bn investment project for Damascus airport” are direct efforts to rebuild and create modern, sustainable transport systems for the population.
3. Target 17.3: Mobilize additional financial resources for developing countries from multiple sources.
   • Explanation: The article quantifies the mobilization of financial resources through a series of deals, including a total of “$14bn” in new projects, a “$6.4bn” deal with Saudi Arabia, and a “$7bn” energy deal, all sourced from international partners.
4. Target 8.1: Sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances.
   • Explanation: The overarching goal of the investment deals is to revive Syria’s “war-ravaged economy” and create a “new hub” in “trade and prosperity,” which directly aligns with stimulating economic growth.
5. Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
   • Explanation: The article provides the context of a new government taking over after a “devastating, nearly 14-year-long civil war.” The government’s actions to “quell the conflict” in Suwayda and focus on reconstruction instead of war are implicit efforts towards this target.
6. Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.
   • Explanation: The agreements are partnerships between the Syrian government (“Syrian Investment Authority”) and international private companies like “Qatar’s UCC Holding,” “UAE-based company DP World,” and “Italian-based company UBAKO,” exemplifying the public-private partnership model for development.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article provides several quantitative and qualitative indicators that can be used to measure progress:

• Indicator for Target 17.3 (and 8.1): Total value of foreign direct investment (FDI).
  • Explanation: The article provides specific monetary values for the investment deals, which serve as a direct indicator of mobilized financial resources. These include the total “$14bn” package, the “$4bn” airport project, the “$2bn” metro project, and the UN’s estimate of “$400bn” needed for reconstruction, which provides a baseline to measure against.
• Indicator for Target 9.1 and 11.2: Development of specific infrastructure projects.
  • Explanation: Progress can be measured by the successful implementation and completion of the projects mentioned. The existence of a new metro system, an expanded international airport, a developed port, and a revived power sector are tangible, measurable outcomes.
• Indicator for Target 16.1: Reduction in conflict and establishment of stability.
  • Explanation: While not providing statistics, the article implies progress by describing a shift from active civil war to a focus on reconstruction. The ability of the new government to attract massive foreign investment and host international envoys serves as a qualitative indicator of increased stability and a reduction in violence compared to the preceding period.
• Indicator for Target 17.17: Number and value of public-private partnership projects.
  • Explanation: The article lists at least five major public-private partnership agreements (airport, metro, Damascus Towers, Tartous port, energy sector). The number of these agreements and their total value are clear indicators of progress in fostering such partnerships.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: aljazeera.com