In 2016, the Civil Society Support Room (CSSR) was established as a first-of-its-kind platform, creating a dedicated space for Syrian civil society to engage directly with the United Nations-led political process. Over the past decade, hundreds of Syrian civil society representatives, peacebuilders, activists, experts, women leaders, and community advocates have contributed their perspectives, expertise, and aspirations to efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful and inclusive future for Syria.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all those who have been part of this journey. To the CSSR participants, whose commitment, resilience, and constructive engagement shaped the platform's success. To our implementing partners, Swisspeace and NOREF, whose expertise, support, and dedication helped sustain this unique mechanism over the years. To the successive Special Envoys and Deputy Special Envoys for Syria, and to the entire team of the Office of the Special Envoy for Syria (OSE-Syria), who consistently championed meaningful civil society participation in the political process. Finally, we thank our donors, Switzerland, the European Union, Germany, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, whose sustained support made this work possible.
As Syria enters a new phase of political transition, the ways in which the United Nations engages with Syrians must continue to evolve. With the conclusion of the partnership with Swisspeace, the Civil Society Support Room in its current form will come to a close. This decision reflects an operational transition in how engagement will be organized and supported, rather than a reduction in the United Nations' commitment to consulting Syrian civil society.
The Office of the Special Envoy remains firmly committed to engaging with Syrians from all backgrounds and ensuring that diverse voices continue to inform its work. Through sustained outreach and consultation with a broad range of Syrian stakeholders, including women, youth, civil society organizations, syndicates, professional associations, community leaders, and thematic experts, OSE-Syria seeks to ensure inclusive participation in discussions related to the political transition. As the Secretary-General stated at the end of his visit to Syria on 26 July, these engagements support the Office's efforts to reflect a diversity of Syrian perspectives in considerations regarding the country's future, contributing to a Syria where women and men participate fully in shaping their country's future, where young people can fulfil their aspirations, and where all Syrians can live in dignity, equality, security, and peace.
Particular attention will continue to be given to ensuring the safe and meaningful participation of women in politics and inclusive political transition as they play a vital role in shaping Syria's future and long-term recovery.
As we end this chapter of the CSSR, we do so with pride in what has been achieved and with confidence that the next phase of engagement will build on its important legacy. The full archive of the CSSR will remain accessible as a testament to the invaluable contributions Syrian civil society has made to the search for peace over the past decade.
We look forward to continuing our engagement and to working with all Syrians as the country navigates its transition toward a more peaceful and inclusive future.
