Chemonics brings together Syrian leaders, partners, and alumni to reflect on lessons from more than a decade of collaboration and discuss priorities for Syria’s recovery and transition.
DAMASCUS, Syria, JULY 5, 2026 — Chemonics International today opened its Damascus office and convened Syrian leaders, partners, and alumni for a one-day event celebrating a legacy of partnership and exploring opportunities to support Syria’s recovery and transition. Held at The Seven Gates, the event featured ministerial remarks, expert panels, and a short film highlighting Chemonics’ work alongside Syrian communities and institutions.
As Syria enters a new phase of recovery and transition, Chemonics reaffirmed its commitment to the country, building on its deep technical and operational experience across the country and trusted local partnerships to support Syria’s new government, private sector, and civil society as the country navigates its transition and recovery process. For 14 years, Chemonics has worked alongside Syrian institutions, communities, civil society organizations, educators, emergency responders, and local implementers to support stability, essential services, education, livelihoods, and early recovery.
“Today is a celebration of what Syrian people have achieved through some of the hardest years their country has known. For 14 years, Chemonics has been honored to stand alongside Syrian communities, organizations, and institutions — and the opening of our Damascus office reflects our continued commitment to Syrian-led recovery as Syria builds its future,” said Jamey Butcher, CEO and Chair of Chemonics International.
Across more than a decade of work in Syria, Chemonics-supported programs have helped local partners respond to urgent needs while laying foundations for longer-term recovery. Through Idarah and the Syria Regional Program, Chemonics worked with Syrian partners to sustain essential services, strengthen local governance, civil society, media, and education systems, and rehabilitate critical infrastructure in communities across Syria, reaching more than one million people.
Chemonics’ long-standing partnership with the Syria Civil Defense, known internationally as the White Helmets, began through the Syria Regional Program and continued through follow-on initiatives, including the White Helmets Assistance Program. Over a decade of support, Chemonics helped strengthen training, operational systems, and organizational capacity for more than 3,000 Syrian responders, whose work saved more than 127,000 lives and contributed to documentation efforts supporting accountability.
Through the Syria Education Programme, known locally as Manahel, and Injaz, Chemonics has supported access to safe, quality education across northwest and northeast Syria. Manahel has reached more than 950,000 students while strengthening education systems with directorates in Aleppo and Idleb, and Injaz has supported children and young people in post-ISIS areas through learning activities, psychosocial support, vocational training, educator development, and school rehabilitation.
The event featured two expert panels: “From Community Priorities to National Policy: Aligning Early Recovery Delivery in Syria” and “Powering Recovery: Economic Reform, Skills, and Growth Pathways for Syria’s Transition.” The first brought together local actors, civil society, and government to explore how community-level realities and national systems can be better aligned to deliver essential services and manage expectations during transition.
The second focused on economic recovery as a driver of stability, examining how reform, investment, and skills development can translate Syria’s national priorities into practical and inclusive growth. A closing discussion led by Chemonics’ Alexander Fischer and Taj Alkaisi looked ahead to opportunities for future partnership, and the day concluded with a reception marking Chemonics’ 14 years of work alongside Syrian communities and institutions.
“Syria’s recovery requires long-term commitment, trusted partnerships and practical delivery. We are proud to continue working alongside Syrian partners to strengthen institutions, support communities and help create the conditions for a stable and prosperous future,” said Taj Alkaisi, Deputy Team Lead, Chemonics.
About Chemonics
Chemonics is a global partner that helps governments, businesses, and organizations deliver results in complex environments. With more than 50 years of experience, we bring together local presence, technical expertise, and the ability to implement at scale. In Syria, Chemonics works alongside local institutions, organizations, and communities to support education, essential services, emergency response, livelihoods, institutional capacity, and Syrian-led recovery.
