In a significant step toward supporting reconstruction and sustainable development in Syria, the Global Organization for Civil Society Advancement (GLOCA) convened a high-level meeting at its Syria office on January 6, 2025. The event brought together a distinguished group of engineers and urban planning experts, alongside Dr. Mohamad Mobayed, Director of GLOCA’s Syria Office, and Mr. Mohamad Khalilo, Director of the Governance and Youth Empowerment Program.

The meeting focused on identifying key sectors for reconstruction, addressing challenges, and exploring innovative solutions to revitalize Aleppo’s urban landscape and infrastructure. Below, we provide a detailed overview of the discussions, key takeaways, and future implications of this critical dialogue.

Key Discussion Points

1. Identifying Priority Sectors for Reconstruction

Participants emphasized the need to focus on essential sectors to ensure a comprehensive and sustainable rebuilding process. Key areas of discussion included:

• Property Ownership Issues: Resolving conflicts related to public, private, and communal properties.

• Urban Planning Challenges: Updating outdated regulatory plans to align with modern architectural and engineering standards.

• Infrastructure Rehabilitation: Addressing the deterioration of critical infrastructure, including water and sewage networks.

2. Proposals for Urban Development

Several actionable proposals were presented to guide the reconstruction efforts:

• Rebuilding Al-Haidariya: Prioritizing this area, which is planned to accommodate 7,500 families, with a focus on completing structural and architectural studies.

• Developing Al-Ma’saraneya: Continuing ongoing activities in the area while enhancing its infrastructure.

• Revitalizing the Airport Road: Establishing high-rise hubs along the road and linking them to Al-Haidariya and Al-Ma’saraneya to promote urban integration.

3. Challenges in Regulatory Planning

The discussions highlighted the need to revise the current regulatory plan, which spans 25,000 hectares and includes areas with significant infrastructure issues. Participants also addressed the widespread violations and encroachments on public properties, which pose a major obstacle to reconstruction efforts.

Expert Insights and Recommendations

Engineer Mahmoud Sakit

Stressed the importance of setting clear objectives for meetings to direct efforts toward rebuilding damaged areas or utilizing public property spaces effectively.

Engineer Majed Al-Zamar

Proposed the establishment of high-rise hubs along the Airport Road, linking them to Al-Haidariya and Al-Ma’saraneya as a central axis for reconstruction.

Engineer Tarif Atoura

Provided a comprehensive overview of the infrastructure’s current state, warning of the dangers posed by leaks in water and sewage networks. He called for a thorough assessment of existing infrastructure.

Engineer Issam Nour Eddine

Presented proposals for rapid recovery by rebuilding vital areas that contribute to community advancement.

Engineer Yaman Khayyata

Shared detailed documentation of affected areas, emphasizing the importance of updating regulatory plans for precise urban planning.

Mr. Mohammed Khalilo

Highlighted the role of governance and youth empowerment in ensuring the sustainability of reconstruction efforts.

Key Takeaways and Future Implications

1. Priority Areas for Reconstruction: Al-Haidariya and Al-Ma’saraneya were identified as critical zones for immediate action, with a focus on infrastructure development and urban integration.

2. Infrastructure Rehabilitation: A comprehensive assessment of water and sewage networks is essential to prevent further deterioration and ensure public health.

3. Regulatory Plan Revisions: Updating the current urban planning framework is crucial to address violations and encroachments on public properties.

4. Collaborative Efforts: Continued collaboration between experts, engineers, and organizations like GLOCA is vital to achieving sustainable reconstruction.

Conclusion

The meeting concluded with participants commending GLOCA’s efforts in supporting Aleppo’s reconstruction and expressing optimism about the future of sustainable development in the city. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to fostering collaboration among experts and engineers to ensure a comprehensive and sustainable rebuilding process.

By hosting such discussions, GLOCA aims to lay the groundwork for Aleppo’s recovery, contributing to the city’s resurgence as a thriving urban center. Future meetings and workshops will be essential to implement the recommendations and ensure the success of planned projects.