Doha: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on the international community to take urgent action to invest in Syria’s future and recovery by scaling up humanitarian aid, reconsidering funding cuts at this critical juncture, and addressing sanctions and other restrictions that hinder assistance efforts.

According to Qatar News Agency, in a video message to the Standing with Syria: Meeting the Needs for a Successful Transition conference, organized by the European Union in Brussels, Guterres underscored the gravity of the crisis, stressing the need for an inclusive and orderly political transition. He highlighted the importance of establishing institutions that truly represent, protect, and serve all Syrians.

“This is a watershed moment,” Guterres said, emphasizing that Syria’s future hinges on ensuring access to food, shelter, healthcare, and sustainable livelihoods.

The UN chief warned of the severe economic toll of the conflict, noting that Syria’s economy has lost an estimated USD 800 billion in GDP over the past 14 years, while vital infrastructure has been devastated. He stressed that millions of Syrians, both within the country and in the diaspora, continue to rely on large-scale humanitarian aid for basic necessities, including food, shelter, and essential services. This includes thousands of Syrians who have returned since December, as well as five million refugees in neighboring countries.

Guterres further noted that more than two-thirds of Syria’s population is in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, making it one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. Despite this, funding for relief efforts remains critically inadequate. He urged the international community to act decisively to prevent further deterioration and support Syria’s path to recovery.