Position paper for Syrian Arab Republic
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | Reducing space threats through norms, rules and principles of responsible behaviours |
| Paper text: | |
| For decades the Syrian Arab Republic has stood in the center of the West Asian sub continent
as a pillar of civilization and multi cultural vibrance. The Syrian Arab Republic, while a young
state has remerged on the global stage from a violent civil war as a forward thinking
progressive state eager to join the global community. And as we reassess our priorities,
values, and concerns we must recognize the pressing matter of security in space. The late
20th century has seen countless states taking broad steps into the galaxy with both machine
and man. And as we turn our aspirations to the stars a genuine consideration must be made
of what threats from the cosmos and from earth face our states.
The United Nations has asserted that for us to address the rise of threats from space we must agree upon rules and norms that reflect our aspirations in this uncharted territory. The Syrian Arab Republic stands by the belief that all states regardless of economic or military power should be included and respected in this demand. The right for humanity to benefit from space and that no territorial claims can ever be made in this jurisdiction is paramount. This also includes the construction and stationing of nuclear armaments or weapons of mass destruction on any celestial body. Therefore any construction or maintenance of stations, satellites, or colonies should be done with only peaceful intentions. States should take full responsibility for actions or conflicts that may arise in this new frontier in order to mitigate conflicts. These laws should first and foremost be upheld by our norms rather than punitive action on the part of the U.N. or member states. For in space the aspiration to go where no man has gone before should be prime above all. | |
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects |
| Paper text: | |
| The Syrian Arab Republic recognizes that the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons represents one of the most persistent and destabilizing threats to international peace, security, and sustainable development. Having experienced the catastrophic consequences of uncontrolled weapons flows during years of conflict, Syria understands how the widespread availability of these arms empowers terrorist organizations, fuels transnational crime, and undermines national unity and legitimate governance. The transitional government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, is therefore undertaking comprehensive reforms to restore the exclusive authority of the State over all weapons and to eliminate unauthorized armed groups. Syria further supports the strengthening of regional information-sharing networks and the establishment of joint border monitoring centers, particularly through cooperation with neighboring states and relevant UN agencies such as UNODA and INTERPOL, to curb arms smuggling routes and improve transparency. The Government advocates enhanced international cooperation on marking, record-keeping, and tracing mechanisms, alongside stricter verification of end-user certificates to prevent diversion to non-state actors. Furthermore, Syria emphasizes that all collective measures must uphold national sovereignty, non-interference, and the inherent right of every State to acquire, manufacture, and retain arms for legitimate self-defense, as guaranteed under the Charter of the United Nations. Domestically, Syria is modernizing its arms legislation, strengthening customs and border controls, and developing a comprehensive national database to ensure accountability in the lawful trade and possession of small arms. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Role of the United Nations in promoting development in the context of globalization and interdependence |
| Paper text: | |
| The Syrian Arab Republic recognizes the critical role of the United Nations in promoting sustainable development amid the complexities of globalization and growing interdependence. Historically, Syria has faced significant challenges, including prolonged conflict, economic sanctions, and infrastructural devastation, which have severely hindered its development progress and increased humanitarian needs affecting more than 70% of the population (UN OCHA, 2025). Despite these obstacles, Syria emphasizes the importance of international cooperation under the UN framework to rebuild its economy, improve social services, and enhance resilience to global shocks through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework, which the UN supports with coordinated efforts focused on poverty reduction, education, health, and gender equality (UN Syria SDGs, 2024). Syria supports UN- led initiatives that foster development partnerships, technology transfer, and inclusive economic policies that respect national sovereignty while encouraging integration into the global economy. The Syrian Arab Republic reaffirms its support for UN General Assembly Resolution 70/1, "Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development," which recognizes that eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions is the greatest global challenge and an integral requirement for sustainable development. Syria's participation in multilateral forums demonstrates its renewed commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals and the principles of the UN Charter. Despite significant setbacks caused by conflict, Syria remains devoted to achieving sustainable development in its three dimensions, economic, social, and environmental, in a balanced and integrated manner. Syria welcomes international efforts to support its reconstruction and recovery through genuine partnership. The revitalized Global Partnership for Sustainable Development must facilitate equitable access to financial resources, promote technology diffusion, and close digital divides. Syria calls upon all countries and stakeholders to support policies conducive to a globalization process that benefits all people and societies, as emphasized in Resolution 79/216. Syria reaffirms that the achievement of the SDGs depends on facilitating the necessary means of implementation and strengthening international cooperation that respects each country's sovereignty and development priorities. Through continued engagement with multilateral institutions and commitment to UN principles, Syria seeks to contribute to a just and equitable international economic system that enables all nations to achieve sustainable development and prosperity for their peoples. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Protection of global climate for present and future generations of humankind |
| Paper text: | |
| Syria has faced overlapping crises for many years, including economic collapse, a massive displacement and environmental stress which came as the result of the civil war in 2011. The structural vulnerabilities made it an easy target for even more compounding effects, not only to the area but also to the health of civilians. The primary healthcare situation is critical, where two out of five subdistricts do not have primary healthcare facilities and the number of health workers is insufficient to meet population demands (UNICEF, 2002a). Not only that, but also the frequent and more intense drought, higher temperatures and declining rainfall are leading to low agricultural production. The declines in agricultural production disrupt food systems contributing to cases of malnutrition, especially among children (USAID, 2017). The water scarcity leads to sanitary challenges, 42 per cent of people rely on alternative, an many times unsafe water sources due to a lack of safely managed water (UNICEF, 2022b). One third of water towers have been damaged due to proacted conflict (UNICEF, 2002b). These are some of the issues that Syria has been faced with for over many years. We recognize the aid we have received from all over the world, including the UN which developed United Nations Development Program (UNDP), which works in the climate change mitigation and natural resource management. It should be mentioned too the Sustainable Development Goal from Climate Action 13.3, who’s main goal is the education and awareness-raising on climate change mitigation, impact reduction and early warning, because change happens within the nation too. As we take domestic accountability for the management of some of these resources, we are actively working in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and other partners. These international agencies and internal donors such as Norway, Saudi Arabia, UK Aid, share the focus in both immediate and long-term action | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination |
| Paper text: | |
| Self-determination continues to be challenged by occupations, foreign intervention,
and misuse of humanitarian principles for political gain. Supported in the UN charters by the
1960 Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. This
document highlighted the right for individuals to freely determine their own political, social,
and cultural development. The occupation of territories and the denial of political autonomy
violates international law and obstruct peace, as reaffirmed by the 1979 UN document, Right
of Self-Determination of the Palestinian People. External influences affect regions beyond
limiting sovereignty; they erode dignity, identity, and spirit.
Inseparable from the protection of independence, national integrity, and sovereignty. It is our firm belief that self-determination cannot be achieved until foreign intervention and unilateral oppressive measures are put to an end. Imposed sanctions beyond the mandates ofthe Security Council violate principles and hinder national recovery. These actions are unjust to states seeking to empower themselves. The Palestinians are an example of this, where external dominations erode the desire of people to shape their own lives. Therefore, we stress that self-determination must emerge from nationally led conversation and compromise freeing people from external manipulation. Endorsements for the renewal of multilateral cooperation, neutrality on humanitarian assistance, and strengthened resources to stop exploitation to allow self-determination. This includes stopping foreign military occupations, lifting unlawful sanctions, and supporting reconstruction without conditions. Individuals seeking autonomy means equitable access to resources that are a necessary foundation in individuals day to day lives. To achieve these goals, nations should collaborate on reconstruction partnerships that prioritize development and ensure national ownership and accountability, for example: Expanding vocational and entrepreneurship training, strengthening economic independence, promoting transparent governance and equal access to education and healthcare to empower individuals, and allowing individuals to have a voice in governance and development of their nation. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Improvement of the situation of women and girls in rural areas |
| Paper text: | |
| Decades of ongoing conflict has left thousands of women and girls around the world facing devastating humanitarian crises, particularly in rural areas. Rural areas where basic economic equality, healthcare, and education is rarely found or supported. Not only is access to basic supplies disproportionate, today women and girls in rural areas face an increased number of intimate violence, rape, and food insecurity. As such, these actions clearly violate a number of human rights outlined in the Declaration of Human Rights, adopted in 1948. Nonetheless, at least 60% of Syrian women and girls living in rural areas depend on agriculture for their livelihood. On-going climate crisis of desertification, deforestation, and extreme weather events have been a direct cause of food instability. As a country who has suffered over fourteen years of civil war, we are no strangers to what women and girls in rural areas face. The Syria Arab Republic reaffirms its commitment to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), complete support to achieving Sustainable Development Goal Number Three, and maintains its National Strategy for the Advancement of Women. Syria Arab Republic’s ongoing efforts to promote the importance of the situation of rural women and girls, we propose the following: 1. Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency programs for women-led households and farming cooperatives; 2. Vocational training centers offered by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), focusing on agriculture, textiles, and small-scale production; 3. Mobile education and healthcare units in rural communities; 4. Awareness campaigns to prevent gender-based violence through community and religious leaders, as those implemented in Syria: Stand Against Rape. Provided all efforts of support are without external interference, Syria stands ready to cooperate with the UN and its partners to advance the rights and well-being of rural women and girls. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Our ocean, our future, our responsibility |
| Paper text: | |
| The Syrian Arab Republic recognizes that the ocean plays an essential role in supporting life on Earth, providing oxygen, food security, and social and economic well-being. Yet, as stated in the United Nations 2022 Declaration “Our Ocean, Our Future, Our Responsibility,” pollution, habitat loss, and climate change continue to threaten marine ecosystems. Since all nations benefit from the ocean, protecting it must be a shared responsibility for the global community. Syria’s 183-kilometer Mediterranean coastline is home to diverse marine life, with more than 1,700 recorded species (686 plants and 1,027 animals), many of them unique to the region. Thisbiodiversity is under pressure from untreated sewage, industrial runoff, unregulated coastaldevelopment, and invasive species entering through the Suez Canal. These challenges and years of conflict have made it difficult for Syria to fund conservation and research. Nevertheless. The Government has reaffirmed its commitment through the “Syria: Conservation of Mediterranean Marine and Coastal Biodiversity by 2030 and Beyond” strategy, which outlines national priorities to expand marine reserves, strengthen research, and combine local communities in coastal protection. Syria also continues to cooperate under the Barcelona Convention and the UN Environment Program’s Mediterranean Action Plan to control pollution and support regional restoration efforts. The Delegation of Syria calls on the United Nations and Member States to include post-conflict coastal nations in ocean-funding and restoration programs created after the 2025 Ocean Conference. Expanding access to funding and technology would help countries like Syria restore marine habitats and rebuild local economies. Syria also supports stronger accountability for activities that damage marine environments. Protecting the Mediterranean Sea is essential not only for Syria but for all who depend on the ocean’s balance and resources. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Strengthening of the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United Nations |
| Paper text: | |
| The Syrian Arab Republic recognizes that humanitarian needs remain immense and increasingly complex. According to UN reports, 16.5 million Syrians require protection and aid, over half the population faces food insecurity, and more than 670,000 people have been displaced since November 2024. Despite ongoing efforts by UN agencies such as OCHA, UNICEF, WFP, and WHO, only 10% of the $2 billion appeal for early 2025 has been funded. Since 2011, Syria has been a consistent recipient of UN humanitarian assistance. The Syrian government emphasizes that all aid must respect national sovereignty and operate under Syrian coordination frameworks, in line with General Assembly Resolution 46/182. While cross-border aid from Türkiye has expanded, Syria stresses that government approval is essential to ensure transparency, accountability, and equitable distribution among all regions. The lifting of US and EU sanctions marks a vital step toward recovery, enabling the import of essential goods and reconstruction materials necessary for rebuilding the country. Humanitarian coordination must be strengthened through cooperation between international agencies and national institutions, particularly the Syrian Arab Red Crescent and relevant ministries. Syria advocates for a transition from short-term emergency relief toward sustainable recovery and development. Priority should be given to restoring public infrastructure, healthcare, education, and the energy sector. Furthermore, increased support for demining, capacity building, and local livelihood programs will help Syrians regain self- reliance and dignity. Syria believes humanitarian assistance should not be politicized. Rather, it must uphold impartiality, respect sovereignty, and foster long-term stability. The ultimate goal is to ensure that humanitarian coordination not only saves lives today but also lays the foundation for a peaceful and resilient Syria. | |
| Committee: | ESCWA |
| Topic: | War on Gaza: tenets and essential elements for sustainable recovery |
| Paper text: | |
| A tremendous humanitarian crisis has emerged in the occupied Palestinian territory of the
Gaza Strip. Even as this current ceasefire has emerged, the need for a thorough plan to
reconstruct Gaza and fund this reconstruction remains paramount. Further, Syria calls for
affirmation of the full rights of the Palestinian people. In accordance with this, we affirm
support for a Mandate for Gaza, and believe that the State of Indonesia would be suitable as
the best equipped nation to undertake such an endeavor. We recommend this issue for
further discussion to the Security Council, and suggest that such measures may also be taken
to augment Syria’s own reconstruction after its brutal civil war.
The Syrian Civil War has left hundreds of thousands dead, and many more displaced, in addition to crippling the Syrian economy. Much of the population now suffers from poverty with many deficiencies preventing the full healing from this calamity. Thus, we call for the international reconstruction effort of Gaza to also be linked to Syria, with emphasis on helping the nation to stabilize and redevelop infrastructure. We invite a UN organized plan for peacekeeping and reconstruction in our territories. Furthermore, we call upon this body to take necessary actions to sanction the State of Israel if continued disruptions to this process, such as expanding their occupation of Syrian territories in the south, goes on. We ask the UN to help facilitate the peace process between the state of Israel and its neighbors to ensure tensions can be reduced and previous wrongs will be righted, including in the Golan Heights. Furthermore we call for an affirmation of the need for Israel to allow all Palestinian refugees to exercise their right of return in accordance with Resolution 194. | |
| Committee: | ESCWA |
| Topic: | Economic governance: market competition challenges in the Arab Region |
| Paper text: | |
| Syria calls for full respect for Palestinian rights. Sustainable recovery in Gaza depends on
large scale humanitarian aid. Another main concern is infrastructure and public services that
need full reconstruction. Syria suggests that Israel is a and part of funding rebuilding. True
recovery must come with investment to rebuild Gaza’s economy and regional support to link
it to neighboring markets. Syria’s own recovery is stagnant, and it views Gaza’s future and
Israels support as part of a wider Middle Eastern effort. They Syrian government believe
regional stability depends on mutual recovery.
Syria’s economy faces deep structural damage; war has destroyed markets and regulating forces. Informal trade has replaced formal markets, and armed groups and war profiteers have gained monopoly like power. Since 2010 the GDP of Syria has fallen by fifty percent. Mass inflation has caused a lot of the informal markets and makes investing challenging. Over two thirds of the population are in poverty, and many are starving. Syria’s economic recovery must restore trust and fairness. It must rework its regulations to open competition. Barriers for new firms to enter market space need to be removed, which would promote competition and crackdowns in monopolies. These informal monopolies block growth. The government plans to run some companies, along with promises to add independent experts to public boards. Economic recovery will be a result of regulated but free markets. | |
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