The United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Syria, Adam Abdel Mawla, said on Friday, May 16, that the UN has developed a comprehensive plan to reconstruct the country.
According to Syria TV, Abdel Mawla stated that the reconstruction plan was formulated following the fall of the ousted regime last December.
He emphasised that the United Nations considers economic recovery the top priority in the next phase, noting that 16.5 million Syrians are in need of humanitarian assistance.
Abdel Mawla added that the level of funding secured so far does not meet Syria’s essential needs. The UN has only received $200 million from pledges made during the Brussels conference held in mid-March, he said.
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Israeli movements in Syria are affecting the operations of UN agencies and humanitarian organisations on the ground, according to Abdel Mawla.
He also revealed that the former regime had spied on UN offices and staff inside the Four Seasons Hotel in Damascus. He noted the presence of individuals within the UN who had connections to the Assad regime.
The UN official accused the ousted regime of misusing international donor funds, alleging it stole money by manipulating the exchange rate.
Separately, the World Bank announced on Friday that Syria is now eligible to access interest-free or low-interest loans aimed at boosting economic growth.
In a statement, the World Bank said Syria’s eligibility for new financing is contingent on adherence to the institution’s current operational policies.
The Bank noted that Saudi Arabia and Qatar had paid off Syria’s arrears to the International Development Association (IDA), which totalled approximately $15.5 million. However, Syria no longer holds any remaining credit balances with the IDA.
The IDA provides grants and concessional loans to fund programs designed to foster economic growth, strengthen resilience, and improve living standards for low-income populations worldwide.
