Syria’s Recovery at Risk Without Inclusive Politics: UN

In a sobering address to the United Nations Security Council on Thursday, UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen highlighted the fragile state of Syria’s recovery, cautioning that the nation’s tentative progress could quickly unravel without inclusive governance, sustained international aid, and respect for national sovereignty.

Pedersen, who announced that he will soon step down from his role, painted a stark picture of the challenges facing interim authorities in Damascus. “They have inherited not just the ruins of shattered buildings, but the deeper wreckage of a battered social fabric, decayed institutions, and a hollowed-out economy,” he said.

The envoy stressed that the success of Syria’s transition depends on political stability, inclusivity, and international support at a scale proportionate to the country’s extensive needs. He warned that the road to recovery will remain perilous unless the State functions effectively for all citizens, not merely in words.

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“The international community must support Syria and robustly stand against foreign intervention,” Pedersen emphasized. “Equally, the success of the transition will above all rest on the State acting as a State for all, not just in word but also in deed.”

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Amid continuing external military activity, including recent reports of Israeli strikes this month, the UN envoy urged respect for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, calling on global actors to exercise restraint and uphold international law.

Pedersen’s remarks underscore the precarious balance Syria faces as it seeks to rebuild after more than a decade of conflict. With cities in ruins, institutions weakened, and the economy in tatters, the path to stability and prosperity will require a coordinated effort by both domestic authorities and the international community.