The Syrian Businessmen Association (SURIAD) participated in the meeting organized by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Ankara on 4 December 2025. The gathering brought together a number of organizations and associations active in social and economic affairs, with the presence of representatives from Turkish governmental bodies and UN agencies engaged in the Regional Refugee and Resilience Plan (3RP).
The association was represented at the meeting by the Vice Chairman of the Board, Eng. Halit SAVAFOĞLU. The participants discussed the key challenges facing Syrian communities in both Türkiye and Syria, in addition to exchanging insights on improving the business environment and strengthening cooperation among relevant stakeholders.
The meeting featured opening remarks from representatives of Turkish governmental bodies and UN agencies, highlighting the situation of Syrian refugees, the economic and social challenges they face, and the importance of strengthening partnerships to ensure an effective and sustainable response.
A brief presentation of the 3RP framework was shared during the meeting, outlining eight key points, with additional supporting elements included to clarify the overall picture of the program:
1. Overview of the 3RP
The Turkish government has been leading the refugee response in partnership with national institutions since 2015.
The program focuses on supporting governmental policies and strengthening coordination among all stakeholders.
The framework includes all countries hosting Syrian refugees in the region, which reinforces regional coherence and integration.
2. Core Functions of the 3RP
Developing integrated response plans that cover protection, essential services, and economic empowerment.
Harmonizing coordination approaches between UN agencies and local actors to avoid duplication of efforts.
Ensuring that information and field assessments are regularly accessible to all partners.
3. Working Principles
Strengthening the capacity of local institutions to manage the pressures resulting from the number of refugees.
Focusing on sustainable solutions rather than short-term interventions.
Ensuring transparency in program design and allocating resources based on evidence and data.
4. Strategic Objectives for 2026
Improving equitable access to health, education, and social services.
Supporting vocational training initiatives and job creation to enhance self-reliance.
Creating an environment that enables both refugees and host communities to develop joint economic and social solutions.
5. Key Achievements
Implementing wide-scale programs in protection, education, and economic support over the past ten years.
Expanding vocational training and entrepreneurship programs through partnerships with the private sector.
Enhancing the readiness of municipalities through investments in infrastructure and services.
6. Financial Situation for 2025
The largest funding gaps are concentrated in the protection and economic empowerment sectors.
Reduced funding directly affects the continuity of essential programs such as cash-for-education and community services.
There is a tendency to increase the efficiency of resource use by integrating certain joint interventions.
7. Funding Comparison Between 2024 and 2025
The noticeable increase in education reflects the need to support Syrian students across all levels.
The rise in funding allocated to protection reflects the increasing legal and social challenges.
Health-related sectors remained stable due to their partial integration with national funding.
8. Outlook for 2026
Continuing to strengthen collaboration with municipalities and the private sector to achieve sustainable, locally driven solutions.
Focusing on social cohesion programs and supporting voluntary return in a safe and enabling environment.
Enhancing monitoring tools and developing follow-up and evaluation mechanisms to improve the quality of programs.
SURIAD’s Role in the Meeting
SURIAD emphasized the importance of representing the Syrian business community and conveying its needs—particularly in the areas of legal compliance, market access, and the development of a stable business environment that strengthens the economic role of Syrians in both Türkiye and Syria.
The association also stressed the need to include Syrian economic organizations within the 3RP platforms to ensure alignment of efforts and achieve practical outcomes that benefit both the Syrian and Turkish economies.
SURIAD’s participation comes as part of its commitment to strengthening its presence in official platforms and building effective partnerships with national and international institutions. This contributes to supporting the business community, improving response pathways, and achieving sustainable economic and social stability for Syrians.
Comments