Kuwait, 09 July 2026 - The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and The Islamic International Charity Organization (IICO) signed a US$1 million partnership agreement to rehabilitate critical water infrastructure in earthquake-affected areas in Idlib Governorate, Syria, helping restore access to safe drinking water for nearly 79,000 people.

Years of conflict and the 2023 earthquakes have left thousands of families without reliable access to safe drinking water, making water restoration one of the most urgent recovery priorities in northwest Syria. The project will rehabilitate water networks, wells, and pumping stations to restore essential services while strengthening local capacities for long-term sustainability. Reliable access to safe water is fundamental to protecting public health, restoring dignity, supporting livelihoods, and enabling communities to recover and rebuild.

“Recovery begins with restoring the services that allow people and communities to rebuild their lives. Access to safe water protects health, restores dignity, and creates the conditions to recover. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to helping communities move beyond crisis by restoring the foundations they need for a more resilient future. We are proud to partner with IICO and continue working with Kuwaiti institutions to support vulnerable communities across the region,” said Ms Emma Morley, UNDP Resident Representative in Kuwait.

The initiative builds on Kuwait's continued support for Syria's recovery following the 2023 earthquakes and forms part of UNDP's broader collaboration with Kuwaiti institutions to advance recovery and resilience. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to restoring essential services, strengthening local capacities, and helping communities rebuild for the long term.

“This partnership with UNDP represents a new strategic step in expanding IICO's international partnerships to advance early recovery and restore essential services in communities affected by crisis. We value UNDP's technical expertise in delivering infrastructure and early recovery projects, which will help ensure effective implementation, the application of international best practices, and sustainable results for the communities we serve,” said Eng. Bader Saud Al-Sumait, Director General of IICO.

The project will restore and improve critical water infrastructure serving nearly 79,000 people across Khan Sheikhoun, Saraqib, and Maarrat al-Numan. Alongside infrastructure rehabilitation, it will strengthen the capacity of local water authorities to operate and maintain water systems, reducing reliance on unsafe water sources and supporting sustainable recovery.

By restoring essential water services, the partnership will help communities recover, rebuild livelihoods, and strengthen resilience while laying the foundations for more sustainable and locally managed water systems.

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Media Contact: UNDP Kuwait | Nayla Bissat | Nayla.bissat@undp.org | +965 99568005

About UNDP: UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP.