An Alumni Regional Security Conversation

The Syrian conflict soon enters its 12th year. The resulting refugee crisis remains the largest in the world. More than half the country’s population (of almost 21 million) has been displaced, both internally and as refugees, mostly in neighboring countries.

The social and economic impact of the conflict is also large and growing. The crisis region, which spans the whole of Syria, Türkiye, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Egypt, continues to face a multitude of challenges. Socioeconomic conditions are deteriorating rapidly, affected by a range of shocks, including the prolonged armed conflict, economic sanctions, the COVID-19 pandemic, a severe drought, deepening economic crisis in neighboring Lebanon and Türkiye and the economic consequences of the war in Ukraine.

Despite the geo-political impact of the conflict, today the war does not get sufficient policy and media attention in part due to the international focus on the Ukraine war and other crises. The war in Ukraine represents a rising competition and a tempting opportunity between the powers controlling its territory.

What is the situation? And what are the challenges to achieving peace and security?

Panelists will share their insights on the cross-disciplinary implications of the almost 12-year-old conflict in Syria: the social, economic, political, and health conditions in the country, not only by statistics but also through local community lenses. The presentations will also investigate the difficulties facing effective peacebuilding in the country and the connection with other conflicts in the global political theatre.

Welcome

• Ms Isabelle Gillet, Head Community Engagement

Speakers

• Dr Tareq Layka, Independent Lecturer, GCSP Alumnus
• Mr Salvatore Pedulla, Head of Civil Society Support Room (CSSR) in the Office of the UN Special Envoy for Syria (OSE) at United Nations, GCSP Executive-in-Residence
• Mr Ümit Seven, Field Security Officer, UNDP, GCSP Alumnus

Moderator

• Ms Waad Al Jarf, Humanitarian Aid Worker, GCSP Alumna

This event is exclusive for the GCSP Alumni Community.