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Madaniya’s Monthly Newsletter
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Dear colleagues and representatives of civil society organisations, We hope you are doing well and that you had a great start to 2025! Below is our newsletter for January, where we share the latest updates from Madaniya and the Syrian civic space. With warm regards,
The Madaniya Team
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Updates on Madaniya’s Work
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Annual Civil Society Conference 2025 With the downfall of the Assad regime and the beginning of the political transition in Syria, and recognising the pivotal role that civil society must play in shaping the country’s political future, we continue our efforts to organise the annual Civil Society Conference. This conference is organised by Madaniya in collaboration with several of its member organisations, and for the first time, it will be held inside Syria from 8 to 12 April 2025. The conference aims to present a structured initiative led by Syrian civil society, bringing together Syrian civic actors and community stakeholders from across different regions of Syria, neighbouring countries, and the diaspora. In coordination with the current government, the conference will serve as a platform to discuss potential transformations in the civic space amid the ongoing political transition, the role of civil society in this context, ways to safeguard the civic space, and empowering it to continue fulfilling its rightful role. We will soon share further details about the conference, including registration procedures and logistical arrangements. |
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The Syria Strategy Project workshops with Civil Society Organisations – February 2025 As part of the ongoing Syria Strategy Project workshops, Madaniya is working on in partnership with the Atlantic Council, the Middle East Institute, and the European Institute of Peace, technical consultations with civil society organisations inside Syria continue. These meetings provide an opportunity to strengthen the Syrian vision on national priorities and enable civic actors across different regions to participate in shaping the final strategy. The workshops focus on discussing priorities and gathering perspectives on key issues to ensure that the strategy is both realistic and grounded in the needs and aspirations of Syrians. Discussions also address the political transition process, the role expected of the interim government, and the key areas that should be prioritised in its work during the next phase. Sessions in Latakia, Damascus, and Sweida have now concluded, and two upcoming sessions will be held in Hama and Aleppo, in addition to a general session on gender inclusion in Damascus in the coming days.
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Madaniya's Interactions with Ongoing Events
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Madaniya’s Meeting with Syria’s Transitional President, Ahmad Al-Sharaa On 4 January 2025, Madaniya’s Chairman, Ayman Asfari, and Chief Executive Officer, Sawsan Abou Zainedin, met with Syria’s Transitional President, Ahmad Al-Sharaa, and Foreign Minister, Assaad Al-Shaibani, at the People’s Palace in Damascus. The discussion focused on political developments in Syria and the role of civil society in the transition process. Madaniya emphasised the vital role of civil society in political transitions, particularly in ensuring oversight and accountability. Madaniya also presented its history, institutional reach inside and outside Syria, and core values, reaffirming its commitment to an active and independent civic space. Madaniya stressed the need for an inclusive transition process free from sectarian quotas, as a key step toward securing both domestic and international legitimacy, which would in turn help lift sanctions and rebuild diplomatic and economic relations. For his part, Ahmad Al-Sharaa agreed that sectarian quotas in the transitional phase would have devastating consequences. He underscored the importance of building a state that guarantees equal rights for all citizens, as well as the need to strengthen security, prevent retributive violence, and rebuild institutions, infrastructure, and the collapsing economy. Regarding the upcoming National Conference, Al-Sharaa reiterated that its primary goal is to engage Syrians in shaping key national decisions. He explained that the delay in convening the conference was due to the need for proper preparation but assured that an official announcement was imminent, with a diverse preparatory committee already in place. He also emphasised the importance of drafting a sustainable constitution, making it clear that elections would only take place once the necessary infrastructure is in place to ensure fairness and transparency, allowing Syrians both inside and outside the country to participate in the democratic process. For the full meeting report in Arabic, follow the available link.
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New Syria – What’s Next? Political Transition Between Reality and Aspiration On 6 January 2025, a group of civic and political actors gathered at Madaniya’s headquarters in Damascus to discuss one of the most pressing issues of the current phase: the political transition in Syria following the downfall of the Assad regime. The event took place at a critical juncture, as Syrians face immense challenges in rebuilding their state on foundations that uphold justice, dignity, and human rights for all, while grappling with the heavy legacy of destruction, economic collapse, and widespread human rights violations. The session opened with a welcoming address by Ayman Asfari, Chairman of Madaniya’s Board, who emphasised the crucial role of civil society in shaping a sustainable and inclusive political future, followed by the main discussion. The conversation centred on the fundamental challenges facing Syria’s political transition, including rebuilding state institutions on democratic foundations, ensuring political pluralism, addressing legal and ethical responsibilities related to past crimes, and achieving transitional justice. Participants also explored the role of civil society in supporting this process and the importance of empowering local actors to ensure broader representation across different segments of Syrian society. Key questions were raised about the possibility of establishing a political system that reflects the aspirations of Syrians without reproducing authoritarianism and how civil society organisations can effectively contribute to shaping future policies. The discussion also addressed mechanisms for achieving transitional justice in a country burdened by widespread violations, as well as the necessary steps to revitalise the economy and rebuild strong institutions capable of providing stability. At the conclusion of the event, Madaniya reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing dialogue and collaboration with various civic and political actors to drive progress toward a more just and democratic future. This commitment aligns with Madaniya’s core values and those of its member organisations, ensuring that the aspirations of all Syrians for dignity, rights, and freedoms—without discrimination—are upheld. Watch the full session in Arabic
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Syrian Dialogue on Justice, Truth, and Reparation A landmark in-person gathering was held in Damascus on 24 and 25 January 2025, bringing together 51 civil society organisations, victims’ associations, and families of survivors—many of whom have been working for years on the issue of justice in Syria. The meeting was convened in response to the urgent need for coordinated efforts and stronger collective action to ensure justice and reparation for victims, given the complexity of this issue and its profound national and humanitarian dimensions. The discussions centred on the importance of justice, highlighting the necessity of unifying efforts and leveraging the accumulated expertise of various stakeholders at this critical stage. The meeting also aimed to bring together as many actors as possible to exchange perspectives, enhance collaboration, and develop effective strategies for holding perpetrators accountable and preventing future violations. One of the key topics addressed was establishing direct channels of dialogue with the interim government, where participants shared their visions on transitional justice and reviewed the outcomes of their engagements with international bodies, such as the Independent International Commission of Inquiry. A comprehensive overview was also presented on the efforts undertaken so far, the resources invested, and the proposed next steps to strengthen accountability and ensure reparation for victims. At the conclusion of the meeting, participants emphasised the need to establish a coordinating body or follow-up team to bring together key actors working on justice, ensuring continuity, institutionalising efforts, and reinforcing the role of civil society in supporting the transitional justice process in Syria. This gathering is part of ongoing efforts to foster greater collaboration among stakeholders, uphold the principles of justice and accountability, and safeguard victims’ rights—laying the foundation for a more just future for all Syrians. Read the summary of the discussions, a list of participating organisations, and key recommendations from the meeting, via the provided link |
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Madaniya’s Engagements with International and Regional Actors Throughout January 2025, Madaniya held a series of meetings with international and regional stakeholders as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation and support Syria’s political transition. On 19 January, representatives from Madaniya’s Board of Directors and several of its member organisations met with a delegation from the Arab League in Damascus, led by the Assistant Secretary-General and other League officials. The discussion centred on the current situation in Syria, the challenges of the transitional phase, and prospects for the future in light of recent developments. Participants underscored the importance of international support, particularly from Arab states, in ensuring a sustainable and just political transition that reflects the aspirations of the Syrian people and places human rights and justice at the heart of the new political framework. On 22 January 2025, Madaniya’s Board representatives met with the European Union Mission in Damascus to discuss Syria’s evolving situation and the role of civil society in promoting stability and justice. The meeting highlighted the need to support Syrian civic actors during this critical phase, addressing the challenges facing civil society amid ongoing political and social shifts. Discussions also emphasised the importance of maintaining an active civil society to strengthen community participation and ensure that justice and citizenship remain central to any future political process. On 29 January 2025, a delegation of women-led civil society organisations, including members of Madaniya and its Board of Directors, met with European Parliament Member Hannah Neumann. The meeting focused on the role of women in shaping Syria’s future and ways to enhance their meaningful participation in political and social spheres. Discussions highlighted the importance of empowering Syrian women in the transitional process and the challenges facing women-led organisations in the current context. Participants shared their perspectives on the situation on the ground, detailing ongoing efforts to strengthen women’s roles and the initiatives they aspire to implement to build a more just and inclusive future. On 30 January 2025, Madaniya representatives met with the UK Special Envoy to Syria for a discussion on recent political developments, including the transitional phase, justice-related issues, and the international stance on ongoing changes. The meeting focused on the Syrian civil society’s vision for the political transition, particularly the importance of transitional justice and the challenges of implementing accountability mechanisms within Syria’s complex landscape. The discussion also covered the situation in Northeast Syria, specifically the scenarios emerging after the stalled negotiations between Mazloum Abdi and Ahmad Al-Sharaa, and their implications for the broader political landscape. Additionally, the topics of sanctions and reconstruction were addressed, examining the impact of sanctions on Syrians’ living conditions and exploring potential solutions to this issue while ensuring that those responsible for violations are not granted impunity.
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Updates on Member Organisations
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In this section, we highlight the achievements and developments in the work of Madaniya’s member organisations. This month, we share with you details about the upcoming events taking place at Madaniya’s office in Damascus.
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Member Organisations’ Events at Madaniya’s Office in Damascus "On Institutionalisation and Forms of Organisation – Exploring the Roles of Arts in the Syrian Context" Discussion Session | 6 February 2025 | Madaniya Office, Damascus Ettijahat – Independent Culture is organising a discussion session at Madaniya’s office on 6 February 2025, focusing on the role of independent cultural and art institutions and collectives in shaping Syria’s future. This session is part of the "Hayat Programme: Contributions to Supporting Syrian Cultural Entities" and will feature the launch of a digital publication of the same title, prepared by researcher Mariana Al-Tabbah. The publication presents insights from 13 independent cultural entities that have been active over the past decade, both inside and outside Syria. The session aims to explore the relationship between cultural and artistic production and institutionalisation in the Syrian context. It will examine how independent cultural collectives have developed innovative and flexible organisational models that align with their circumstances while shaping the artistic and cultural content they produce. Additionally, the discussion will provide a platform to address the challenges these entities face, highlighting the importance of cultural independence amid Syria’s ongoing social and political transformations. The session will bring together key cultural and artistic figures from Syria, including representatives from independent cultural and art collectives. Intellectual Week with the Jawdat Said Foundation – "Islamic Thought and the Urgency of the Present Moment in Syria" Discussion Session | 9 February 2025 | Madaniya Office, Damascus As part of an Intellectual Week organised by the Jawdat Said Foundation, Madaniya will host one of the programme’s sessions on 9 February 2025, under the title "Islamic Thought and the Urgency of the Present Moment in Syria." This session will explore the relevance of Islamic thought in understanding Syria’s current social and political transformations, and its role in shaping a society based on justice, citizenship, and pluralism. The discussion will feature a distinguished group of thinkers and researchers, who will examine the relationship between Islamic thought and the challenges of the present era. The session will explore how Islamic principles can contribute to fostering democracy, rejecting violence, and promoting social dialogue in Syria. Additionally, the ideas of Jawdat Said on nonviolence, peaceful change, and the building of a mature society capable of addressing future challenges will be discussed. This event is part of a week-long programme featuring lectures and intellectual discussions held across various locations.
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In this section, we highlight the latest reports and updates published by Syrian organisations or about Syria over the past month.
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The Complex Relationship Between Elections and Local Governance in Syria: A Report by The Day After The Day After, in collaboration with Omran Center for Strategic Studies and Lugarit organisation, released a report titled "The Complex Relationship Between Elections and Local Governance in Syria." The study explores the intricate and evolving dynamics between the electoral process and local governance structures in Syria, examining how legal and regulatory frameworks intersect with real-world practices. It underscores that local elections are not isolated events but rather integral components of the broader political system, serving as mechanisms that reinforce the relationship between centralised state power and local aspirations for political participation. The report provides an in-depth analysis of the legal frameworks governing local elections in Syria, while also highlighting the role of informal factors such as personal networks and patronage systems in shaping electoral outcomes. Additionally, it explores the tensions between central authority and local governance mechanisms, demonstrating how these tensions reflect the ongoing struggle between state control over electoral processes and local communities' push for greater political representation and participation. The findings reveal that local elections are influenced by a range of political, social, and economic factors, making them highly dynamic and reflective of broader governance challenges. Within this context, the report emphasises the critical need to strengthen transparency and accountability in the electoral system, which are essential for developing a more effective and responsive local governance structure that aligns with citizens' aspirations for democracy and justice. In its conclusion, the report offers strategic recommendations for reforming the local electoral system, advocating for policy revisions, improved mechanisms for public participation, and a more balanced distribution of power between central and local authorities. These reforms aim to foster a governance system that better reflects the aspirations of Syrian communities and paves the way for a more stable and genuinely democratic future. Read the full report in Arabic via the available link.
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