National Agenda for the Future of Syria Programme

In 2012, ESCWA launched the National Agenda for the Future of Syria (NAFS), pursuant to its mandate to promote human development and support a democratic transition in the region. The programme established a platform for technical dialogue, enabling Syrian experts from diverse backgrounds to engage in discussions on reconciliation and peacebuilding in a post-conflict context.

NAFS brings together Syrian experts, stakeholders, and an international network of partners to analyse the root causes of the Syrian conflict, focusing on the critical social, economic and governance factors. By embracing a system-based approach, the programme ensures policy recommendations are comprehensive and reflect the diverse voices of Syrians. 

Our approach

Since its inception, NAFS has adopted a nexus-based approach inspired by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This approach captures the complex interlinkages and interdependencies within the Syrian context, moving beyond a traditional sectoral analysis. Its nine nexuses are tailored to the specific requirements of the conflict and sequenced to address key priorities throughout the peacebuilding and State-building phases.

Over time, the programme has advanced through three stages of work: conducting analyses of the economic, social and governance roots of the conflict; undertaking policy and localized needs assessments; and formulating policy recommendations and alternatives for the post-conflict phase.

Our partners

Carnegie Corporation of New York, Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) in Germany, Center on International Cooperation at New York University, the Carter Center, University of St. Andrews, Emergency Academic Support – Global Platform for Syrian Students, Universidade do Minho, Universita IUAV di Venezia, British Council, the Hague Institute for Innovation of Law (HiiL), IDEA, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, the Swiss Confederation represented by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs acting though the Peace and Human Rights Division.

Our activities

NAFS produces publications, policy briefs and newsletters, convenes technical dialogues and meetings, and organizes capacity-building activities.