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Across Syria, the scars of war still linger on communities that have endured years of violence, displacement and loss.
But amidst the destruction that has occurred, hope has also begun to take root, hope for security, decent work, functioning schools and hospitals, and a future that makes people from all backgrounds feel like they are part of it.
During an important visit to Damascus, the U.N Secretary General Antonio Guterres face these two realities.
He visited the notorious Sednaya prison, where thousands of people were tortured and killed during the conflict, listened to stories of fear and suffering, and met with representatives of various communities in Syria, civil society groups, women and young people who want to take part in their country’s future.
As he concluded his visit, the UN Secretary General said political change must now deliver real improvements for all Syrians, backed by continued international support.
This happened the day after the Secretary-General meet President Ahmad Al-Sharaa and reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting the Syrian people and cooperating with the country’s authorities during the critical transition period.
Very important moment
“After so much suffering, this is a time of transition a rare moment in the life of a nation,” Guterres told reporters on Sunday as he ended the second day of his visit.
“A moment of responsibility, possibility and choice.”
Describing Syria as a country at a historic turning point, the Secretary-General said that people across the country are drawing on their own experiences and aspirations to forge a new future after years of conflict.
During his visit, he said he witnessed the deep wounds of the war and the Syrian people’s determination to move on.
“Over the past few days, I have seen the scars left by years of conflict. I have heard about the pain, loss, displacement and fear.”
But besides these experiences, he said, he also experienced resilience and optimism.
“I feel a deep sense of hope.”
Secretary General António Guterres speaks at a press conference in Damascus, Syria.
Diversity is a source of strength
Throughout his remarks, the Secretary-General repeatedly emphasized the rich diversity of Syria, describing it as one of the country’s defining characteristics and a foundation for lasting peace.
“This country has long known what it means to be a crossroads – of civilizations, cultures, beliefs and ideas,” he said.
“Such diversity is not a coincidence in Syria. It is one of the country’s greatest strengths.”
Guterres stressed that the success of the transition will depend on ensuring all Syrians feel represented in their country’s future and can participate meaningfully in shaping it.
He said the aspirations he heard during the visit were universal: security and stability, economic opportunity, accountable institutions and respect for rights.
The UN, he added, is ready to support efforts to promote accountability, reconciliation, human rights and trust-building among communities while ensuring the participation of women, the younger generation and all components of Syrian society.
Secretary General Antonio Guterres (right) is briefed during his visit to Saydnaya, the location of the notorious military prison run by the former Assad regime.
Recovery cannot be Syria’s burden alone
The Secretary-General also used the visit to make a strong appeal to international partners, arguing that political change needs to be balanced with significant economic support if Syrians are to see real improvements in their daily lives.
“The task now is to translate political change into real improvements in people’s daily lives,” he said and added: “Every Syrian must feel the same investment in their country’s future.”
While welcoming recent steps that have eased sanctions and opened up new possibilities for economic recovery, Guterres called for the immediate lifting of all remaining sanctions.
He argued that rebuilding Syria requires sustained international engagement, investment and practical assistance.
“The Syrian people have shown extraordinary resilience through difficult times over the years,” he said.
“They should not have to carry the burden of recovery alone.”
The Secretary-General said support was needed to restore services, rebuild infrastructure, revive livelihoods and strengthen education and health care systems.
International assistance is also essential to help refugees and displaced people return to their homes safely, voluntarily and with dignity, he added.
Loyal partner
Looking ahead, Guterres said the path forward would not be easy and warned that setbacks were inevitable.
But he stressed that there is a rare opportunity to build a more inclusive and peaceful future.
“There is also a real and extraordinary opportunity,” he said, “to help build a Syria where women and men participate fully in shaping their country’s future… where young people can fulfill their aspirations… and where everyone can live in dignity, equality, security and peace.”
“The UN will be a loyal partner of the Syrian people on that journey.”
