In a significant step reflecting the growth of strategic cooperation and mutual trust, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Saturday, 12 July 2025, in the city of Aleppo between the Civil Society Advancement Organization (GLOCA) and the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF), in the presence of representatives from official institutions and civil society actors.

The MoU establishes a clear framework for collaboration in implementing the Support Programme for Security Sector Reform and Governance in Syria. Under this partnership, GLOCA will serve as the lead implementing partner inside Syria, while DCAF will be responsible for programme design and the provision of technical expertise and international support.

The agreement was signed by Mr. Wasim Alhaj, Executive Director of GLOCA, and Mr. Ayman Ayoub, Director of the Middle East and North Africa Division at DCAF.

From Exploration to Partnership: A Progressive Timeline

This MoU represents the culmination of a phased and constructive engagement process between the two organisations, which included:

1. An initial exploratory visit by a DCAF delegation to Syria earlier this year, which involved introductory meetings with local actors and institutional representatives.

2. An official invitation to GLOCA to attend a closed workshop in Geneva, where the organisation contributed to the co-design of the initial programme framework, presenting grounded insights from the Syrian context.

3. A second DCAF visit to Syria accompanied by Swiss Ambassador Nathalie Chuard, during which the initial programme concept was formally presented to the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs—laying the groundwork for official collaboration.

4. The current third visit, which included several high-level meetings and community engagements in Aleppo, culminating in the formal signing of the Memorandum of Understanding.

Key Areas of Collaboration

The MoU outlines cooperation in the following areas:

• Organising workshops, consultations, and dialogue sessions on security sector reform.

• Facilitating formal and informal meetings with relevant stakeholders.

• Conducting needs assessments, reporting, and follow-up on programme activities.

• Actively participating in the joint steering committee of the programme.

GLOCA will provide logistical and organisational support for activities within Syria and coordinate with both governmental and civil society actors to ensure effective and transparent programme delivery on the ground.

Strategic Significance

The signing of this MoU marks a qualitative shift in the nature of the relationship between the two entities—from consultation to implementation, and from technical support to operational partnership grounded in trust and local knowledge. It also opens the door for the transfer of DCAF’s global expertise in governance, accountability, and justice to the Syrian context during a critical phase of post-conflict recovery.

GLOCA reaffirms its commitment to transparency, participation, and enabling civil society to play an active role in shaping accountable security policies that protect citizens while upholding the rule of law.