As the world marks World Refugee Day, I find myself reflecting not only as the UNV Country Coordinator for Syria, but as someone whose own story is deeply intertwined with displacement. My grandparents’ journey as refugees shaped my understanding of resilience, and my work—from Lebanon to Syria—has only deepened my commitment to standing in solidarity with those forced to flee. This is more than a professional mission—it’s personal.
The political transition in Syria, which started in December 2024, presents a historic opportunity today—promoting justice, reconciliation, and sustainable peace. During my recent mission to Damascus, I couldn’t help but think of the millions of Syrians who crossed in the opposite direction over the last decade, forced to leave their homes in search of safety and dignity. And today, a shift gradually unfolds. Signs of cautious political stability, and with it, new opportunities for return, for recovery, and hope.
This is deeply personal for me. It connects to a legacy from my grandparents, who were refugees in Lebanon. Their story shapes my view of displacement, not as a temporary setback, but as a life-defining experience that affects future generations. It's taught me that the journey to dignity starts not with return, but when people feel recognized, supported, and empowered.
I joined UNV on 24 October 2003 a date that, by chance or fate, aligned with United Nations Day. I’ve always seen it as a lucky day—one that marked not just the start of my journey in volunteerism, but a lifelong commitment to dignity, solidarity, and hope.”
Amidst this shifting landscape, UNV’s renewed presence in Syria is more than a return; it’s a recommitment. A bold step in rebuilding national capacities through skilled UN Volunteers in peace and development projects on the ground. It’s about local recovery, one assignment at a time.
UN Volunteers are everyday people—engineers, teachers, health workers, and more—who serve with the UN to make a difference in communities. Whether serving at home or abroad, they share a common goal, of sharing their knowledge and putting their expertise into practice.
During the hardest years of the conflict in Syria, UN Volunteers supported refugees in camps, schools, and clinics and their host communities in neighbouring countries. Some of these UN Volunteers were Syrian refugees themselves.
Now, their return to Syria begins a new phase. One where their skills, energy, and compassion will help communities rebuild forward better, and most importantly, together.
Early this year, UNV began recruiting Syrian nationals as UN Volunteers to power urgent rebuilding efforts. From project management to engineering and architecture, they’re delivering hands-on support to ministries and UN partners. These volunteers aren’t just filling roles—they’re building resilience, strengthening local skills, and driving economic recovery. This symbolizes more than support—it's progress and the path to recovery.
By tapping into national talent, UNV is putting recovery in local hands. It's building ownership and supporting Syria in moving closer to stability and sustainable development.
Syria is at a turning point. After years of displacement, return is no longer just a hope—it’s happening. Since 8 December 2024, more than 568,000 Syrians have returned from neighbouring countries, and an estimated 1.3 million internally displaced people have returned home in just six months.
Through the lens of my own family history and professional journey, I’ve come to understand what it truly means to help rebuild lives and restore hope. I am proud that UNV is walking this path hand in hand with the people of Syria, because when volunteers return, hope returns with them.
