Damascus: The UN Development Programme (UNDP) is aiming to channel $1.3 billion in aid to Syria over the next three years, focusing on infrastructure rebuilding and support for digital start-ups. UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Assistant Administrator Abdullah al-Dardari emphasized the global significance of these investments during a press briefing in Syria's capital, Damascus.

According to Anadolu Agency, Dardari highlighted that the introduction of social protection programs and artificial intelligence (AI) could be beneficial for Syria's development. He stressed the importance of securing funding from diverse sources, including the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and various regional countries, to support these initiatives.

The new Syrian government is actively seeking to lift international sanctions that were imposed during the tenure of former President Bashar al-Assad, who was ousted in December 2024. Dardari pointed out that Syria requires tens of billions of dollars in investment and technical support, which remain unattainable due to the ongoing sanctions. He described these sanctions as a significant hurdle to the country's development.

Dardari also mentioned that the World Bank is considering allocating hundreds of millions of dollars in grants to improve Syria's electrical infrastructure and support the public sector. Additionally, the UNDP has secured a sanctions exemption from the US Treasury, enabling it to mobilize up to $50 million for the restoration of the Deir Ali power plant located south of Damascus.