As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation between local and international institutions, the Global Organization for the Advancement of Civil Society (GLOCA), in partnership with the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF), held a dialogue workshop in the city of Aleppo on Saturday, 12 July 2025. The event brought together a group of civil society representatives, local activists, and various community actors.

The workshop took place at GLOCA’s headquarters in Al-Muhafaza neighborhood, as part of DCAF’s official visit to Syria, aimed at engaging directly with local communities, understanding their priorities, and exploring pathways for supporting recovery and sustainable peacebuilding.

Discussing Security and Recovery in Aleppo
The session focused on identifying key security and social challenges in the city. Participants engaged in open dialogue on ways to improve the relationship between civil society and security institutions, emphasizing the need to build trust, promote transparency, and ensure inclusive participation in planning and decision-making processes.

Discussions highlighted the importance of forming flexible and coordinated partnerships between civil society and local institutions, through clear communication channels and better information-sharing, in order to respond more effectively to service and security needs.

Active Engagement from Both Sides
Mr. Ayman Ayoub, Head of the Middle East and North Africa Division at DCAF, emphasized the value of such meetings in gaining an accurate understanding of local contexts. He reaffirmed DCAF’s commitment to sharing international expertise in good governance and community security to support Syria’s recovery trajectory.

Mr. Wassim Alhaj, Executive Director of GLOCA, stated that the workshop is part of broader efforts to reinforce the role of civil society as a partner in rebuilding trust and the foundations of the state. He noted that the event offered a meaningful opportunity to open constructive dialogue among key actors in Aleppo.

Initial Recommendations and Future Cooperation
The workshop concluded with a set of initial recommendations, including:

• Developing a joint action plan for Aleppo’s recovery based on clear priorities.

• Strengthening transparency and information-sharing between civil society, government institutions, and international partners.

• Enhancing civil society capacity in project management, M&E, protection, and psychosocial support.

• Activating regular coordination mechanisms that bring together local institutions, CSOs, and external stakeholders.

Participants expressed enthusiasm about continuing the dialogue and expanding engagement, stressing that Aleppo’s stability and prosperity depend on a genuine and effective partnership between citizens, institutions, and civil society.