Syria Development Centre

Forging Sustainable Futures Through Local Insights and Policy

The Syria Development Centre (SyriaDev) was established to meet the demand for nuanced, context-specific solutions to Syria's complex socio-economic, political, and developmental challenges. We are an independent, Syrian-led institution committed to developing local insights, practical policy solutions and credible dissemination and influence strategies.

Our "Handholding Approach"

Central to SyriaDev's philosophy and operational success is our distinctive "handholding approach" — a deeply embedded, context-sensitive methodology for fostering sustainable institutional change.

This approach moves beyond traditional consultancy to provide sustained, relational support, empowering institutions from within.

Recognising that institutions in Syria operate within environments shaped by disruption, diverse legacies and varying capacities, the handholding approach focuses on building internal trust, aligning strategic vision with operational realities, and unlocking latent potential.

It is a process of accompaniment, not imposition, designed to cultivate self-sustaining, resilient, and context-responsive organisations.

In a landscape often characterised by opacity and fragmentation, SyriaDev offers unparalleled value to partners seeking to make a tangible and lasting difference in Syria.

Our Tools

1. Unrivalled Local In-depth Insights

We possess a profound grasp of Syria's intricate political economy, identifying the underlying drivers, incentives and constraints that shape decision-making and development outcomes. Our extensive networks and continuous engagement allow us to identify and understand the motivations, capacities, and influence of critical actors across all sectors.

2. Credible Influence and Access

SyriaDev is recognised for its objective analysis and commitment to evidence-based solutions. We have proven experience in engaging constructively with complex administrative structures, facilitating dialogue and enabling practical implementation.

3. Robust Technical Expertise

At our core is a strong central social research team, utilising rigorous methodologies to collect, collate, and analyse data, transforming raw information into actionable intelligence. We boast specialised expertise in critical development areas, allowing for tailored and impactful programming.

Areas of Practice

1. Education Reform and Access
Developing strategies to rebuild and transform the education sector, focusing on quality learning outcomes, inclusivity and future-readiness for Syrian children and youth.

2. Health Systems Strengthening
Addressing critical challenges in healthcare access, quality and governance, working towards resilient and equitable health services for all Syrians.

3. Governance and Institutional Development Supporting the enhancement of institutional capacities and promoting transparency, accountability and participatory approaches in governance structures at various levels.

Our Projects

UFUQ Project: Upskilling and Future-proofing human resources for health, and enhancing health governance (2024-2027)

Funded by the European Union, UFUQ aims to enhance institutional capabilities and upskill human resources in the healthcare sector. It focuses on improving governance and management mechanisms within the health sector context in Northwest Syria. The project emphasises strengthening the Syrian Board of Medical Specialties (SBOMS), health directorates, syndicates, and health information unit. It was designed using a Strategic Audit tool specifically tailored by the Syria Development Center for the Syrian context and the healthcare sector in Northwest Syria.

RAFAH Project: Research and Action Furthering greater understanding on mental Health in Syria (2023-2024)

An extended operational research project funded by the European Union, RAFAH aims to understand the meaning of mental health for Syrians and the role of religious leaders in promoting mental health. The project examines mental health from a historical perspective, explores the role of bimaristans, and implements pilot activities including a diploma program for religious studies students, artistic activities, and training for religious leaders in mental health fundamentals.

Research for Health System Strengthening in Syria (2021-2024)

In partnership with King's College London, SyriaDev conducted systematic reviews and extensive background research around education in Syria, resulting in practical outcomes including a research diploma for healthcare workers. As a second outcome of the background research, the centre established a working group consisting of 40 representatives from governing bodies, academic institutions, non-governmental organisations and independent individuals both inside and outside the country. The working group has bridged the gap between these stakeholders in the medical education sector, which suffers from a significant lack of close communication and effective coordination. The working group undertakes several roles: consultation, implementation and service coordination. Part of the group’s work involves creating a database to collect information related to medical education with the aim of unifying efforts and guiding decision-making regarding funding allocation, skills support and service provision.

Areas of Practice as Centres for Excellence: Partnership for Education Reform and Access with Child Guardians

Child Guardians is the leading NGO in Syria in the field of child protection. The partnership between the Syria Development Centre and Child Guardians builds on close relationships with local communities and strong ties with institutions and organisational bodies in Syria, in particular around capacity-building programmes for institutions related to the Education and Social Care of Children. The areas of interest include safeguarding children against abusive labour and/or exploitation of any type, access of vulnerable groups to education, including those with special needs and education institution building .

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Publications

This mixed-methods study delves into the medical education and health professional training (MEHPT) system in non-government controlled northwest Syria, against a backdrop of over a decade of armed conflict that has seen healthcare facilities and workers targeted. The conflict has led to a fragmented MEHPT system operating under a 'hybrid kinetic model' developed in response to the division between government-controlled and non-government areas. The research, conducted between September 2021 and May 2022, involved a comprehensive stakeholder analysis, expert consultations, focus groups, semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, and validation workshops. It identified a three-layer MEHPT system supported by 12 academic institutions, 7 local governance authorities, and 12 NGOs, with external NGOs and donors at the top, followed by under-resourced internal governance, and local academic bodies at the base. Despite facing governance, institutional, individual, and political challenges, there are opportunities for MEHPT to serve as a peace-building pillar. The study suggests a need for further research to enhance the role of internal governance and build trust among stakeholders, proposing the formalization of efforts, power shift to internal governance, and long-term sustainable partnerships to strengthen the fragile and polarized MEHPT system.

Full Paper

The protracted conflict in Syria has severely impacted the health sector, leading to over 70% of healthcare workers (HCWs) leaving and those remaining facing perilous conditions with limited resources in a devastated healthcare system. This scenario is particularly acute in non-government-controlled areas (NGCAs), where HCWs have experienced significant disruptions to their education and training, with few opportunities for continuation. The manuscript discusses initiatives in northwest Syria aimed at supporting both undergraduate and postgraduate education for physicians and non-physician HCWs. Challenges to HCW education in the region are categorized into organizational issues, such as governance and funding; programmatic barriers, including lack of accreditation and insufficient teaching resources; and healthcare system problems like politicization and ongoing violence. The conclusion highlights the importance of local strategies and dedicated funding to retain HCWs and support their return in the post-conflict reconstruction phase.

Full Paper

The study provides a comprehensive analysis of the profound effects of the decade-long armed conflict in Syria on medical education and health professionals’ training (MEHPT), highlighting how the conflict has led to the politicization and division of MEHPT into two distinct geopolitical contexts: government-controlled areas (GCAs) and non-government-controlled areas (NGCAs). Through a mixed-methods systematic review of literature spanning from 2011 to 2021, the research identified significant themes such as attacks on MEHPT facilities and personnel, the emergence of innovative educational strategies, and various challenges within the sector. The findings, based on 70 selected citations from a pool of 5710, underscore the necessity for international and regional academic collaboration to develop educational platforms that leverage innovative approaches like online learning and peer training. These efforts aim to bolster the resilience and capacity of the health workforce in areas afflicted by conflict, addressing both immediate needs and long-term health system and policy issues.

Full Report

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