The International Labour Organization (ILO) organized a specialized workshop, hosted by the Damascus and Rural Damascus Chamber of Industry, focusing on examining how decent work deficits intersect with conflict drivers, social grievances, and opportunities for social cohesion and social justice in Syria. The workshop brought together employers' representatives from the federations of chambers of industry, commerce, agriculture, and tourism. It was attended by Eng. Mohamed Ayman Al-Mawlawi, President of the Damascus and Rural Damascus Chamber of Industry and Secretary-General of the Federation of Syrian Chambers of Industry, Mr. Mohamed Anas Sabagh, the ILO National Coordinator in Syria, as well as Mr. Iyad Betinjaneh, board member of the Federation of Syrian Chambers of Industry, and Khaldoun Dado, Director of the Federation. This analysis is being conducted by a team from "SWISS PEACE" in partnership with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), aiming to design a future support program aligned with national recovery priorities.The dialogue centered on the current state of the industrial sector, the prominent challenges facing employers and workers, and mechanisms to enhance mutual dialogue among production parties and relevant institutions. Participants also discussed sectors capable of generating labor-intensive job opportunities and identified support priorities for the upcoming period. Employers' representatives summarized their main obstacles as: a shortage of skilled and technical labor, the ongoing impact of international sanctions, and local and global inflation that weakens purchasing power. Additionally, they highlighted high production costs—especially energy carriers—and social security fees. Challenges also included the instability of seasonal agricultural labor, difficulties in sorting and packaging according to international standards, and general economic instability.At the conclusion of the workshop, attendees emphasized the vital role of active employer participation in drafting and discussing laws to protect their interests and achieve economic growth. They recommended focusing on labor-intensive sectors, such as textiles, agro-industries, and reconstruction industries. Furthermore, they stressed the need to intensify vocational training by establishing multiple specialized centers, attracting international experts, and supporting the participation of Syrian sectors in international exhibitions. For its part, the ILO confirmed that these productive outcomes would be a cornerstone for ongoing studies to formulate future support programs
21/5/2026
