Syrian Coalition Stresses the Importance of Supporting Civil Society Organizations

The third annual conference Watan opened today in the Turkish city of Istanbul under the slogan “We Draw our Future.” Nasr al-Hariri, Secretary General of the Syrian Coalition, said in the opening speech “that the Syrian people have held high hopes on us to overcome the challenges facing the Syrian Revolution, throwing upon the Syrian Coalition great responsibilities and heavy burdens. The most important of these is supporting the civil society organizations and raising the level of coordination and cooperation among them, taking into account the circumstances of each organization and its needs.” Hariri pointed to the need “to combine all the efforts and energies to rebuild Syria,” stressing that “the institutional work is the irreplaceable basis on which the homeland will be rebuilt.” Hariri praised the work of the Watan system for creating mechanisms of action that suit the harsh conditions on the ground through its adoption of the principles of collective and institutional work. Watan system has provided a unique experience through its ability to establish solid bonds of coordination, cooperation and integration between the system and other civil society organizations in the fields of human rights, governance and all kinds of aid.” Hariri called upon the attendees and the relevant organizations to continue providing its charitable support for the Watan system. Maaz Sibai, head of Watan system, said that “this year’s conference will see the launch of several projects and initiatives, and will contain intensive workshops aimed at fueling new initiatives and build cognitive skills of the members and partners.” He also announced the launch of a new institution called “Afaq” that will tasked with providing support for the Syrian university students and securing scholarships for them.” It is noteworthy that Watan system was launched in 2012 to serve as a framework for institutions and work groups established back in 2006. It focuses on the humanitarian, social and development fields and seeks attract non-partisan Syrian youth. (Source: Syrian Coalition)