Building Bridges in a Complex Landscape

Syria is rich in history, resilience, and untapped potential. It is home to a youth population that faces continuous challenges. Many are rebuilding their lives amid economic hardship, social instability, and the lasting effects of crises.

For me, stepping into this role was not just about contributing to youth development; but also about finding my unique place in Syria’s recovery. To build bridges between youth and decision-makers, local challenges and global solutions, the struggles of today and the possibilities of tomorrow.

One of my significant early adventures was to help revitalize the Youth Inclusion Portfolio, which had been disrupted by the earthquake. It was no easy start—mapping stakeholders, reaching out to youth, and co-creating initiatives required patience and persistence. But as I facilitated workshops, supported data collection, and listened to over 500 young voices. I saw the beauty in the complexity. Each conversation, challenge, and insight was a brick in the bridge we were building together.

What is the Youth Inclusion Portfolio?

UNDP Syria is using systems thinking and portfolio logic to understand and address the complex issue of youth inclusion.  UNDP’s portfolio approach involves gaining a deep understanding of system dynamics to design a set of interconnected interventions that can be dynamically managed to generate a continuous supply of new policy and programmatic options over time.

Its structured around three core components:

• Mapping and Engagement: Conducting extensive youth mapping exercises to understand the realities, needs, and aspirations of young people across Syria.

• Identifying Gaps and Tailoring Interventions: Using insights gathered from listening sessions, youth surveys, and stakeholder feedback, these findings inform the design of adaptive interventions that respond to youth needs in real time.

• Fostering Collaboration and Sustainability: By bringing together, civil society organizations, and private sector partners, the portfolio promotes collective action. 

🔗 Learn more about the Youth Inclusion Portfolio 

Moments That Redefined Me

Some experiences this year became turning points.

Organizing International Youth Day was one such moment. The event, “From Clicks to Progress,” brought together young minds to explore AI and technology’s potential role in sustainable development. Standing in Maktab Anbar, a space steeped in history, I felt the contrast between old and new—much like Syria, striving to balance tradition with innovation.

Another defining moment was representing Syria in the Youth for Peace and Security Dialogue. Sitting on a panel with youth advocates from around the world, I realized my role was not just as a delegate but as a storyteller. I shared how we were using systems thinking to position youth as peace agents, and in return, I heard stories from other countries—some heartbreaking, others inspiring. It reminded me that while our contexts differ, the challenges and hopes of youth are deeply connected.

Lessons in Resilience and Creativity

If I had to sum up this year in one word, it would be resilience—the resilience of myself and the youth I have met and worked with.

Co-facilitating workshops, managing logistics, and navigating UNDP processes often felt like learning to build a plane while flying. The intensity of each challenge taught me something new leading with empathy, adapting to change, and finding creative solutions under pressure.

Yet, none of this learning happened in isolation. From the start, I was surrounded by colleagues who guided me through the complexities of youth development. The Youth Focal Points, my supervisor, and the regional team colleagues all played an invaluable role—not just as mentors but as pillars of support.

Their patience, insights, and willingness to share successes and setbacks helped me grow. They showed me that development work is not about having all the answers—it is about asking the right questions, listening deeply, and embracing the learning process. Through their mentorship, I learned the importance of strategic thinking, adaptability, and long-term vision in youth development work.

From Listening to Action

The heart of this journey was listening—really listening—to the voices of Syrian youth. Whether through one-on-one conversations, workshops, or online discussions, I learned that every story matters.

These stories shaped the Youth Inclusion Portfolio, which became a living framework designed to address the real needs and aspirations of the Syrian youth. It was not about creating a one-size-fits-all solution—it was about designing something dynamic and adaptable.

Redefining My Role and Vision

As an architect, I was trained to design for people. But this year, I learned to design with people. This shift—from solving problems to co-creating solutions—has changed not just how I work, but also how I see the world.

Bridges are not just physical structures. They are connections between people, ideas, and opportunities. They are what allow us to move from where we are to where we want to be.

For Syrian youth, those bridges look like access to education, opportunities for entrepreneurship, or platforms to share their voices. They have also been the relationships, lessons, and experiences that have shaped me into a more empathetic, innovative, and collaborative person.

Looking Ahead with Gratitude and Hope

As I reflect on this journey, Syria’s youth are not just shaping their futures—they are shaping the future of an entire country. Their resilience, ideas, and energy are the foundation of something greater than any one initiative or programme. They are the architects of change, the bridge builders of tomorrow.

The work is far from over, but if there is one thing this experience has taught me. It is that even the most minor efforts—listening, supporting, believing—can create ripples that extend far beyond what we can see. The path ahead is uncertain, but one thing is clear: when youth are given the space, trust, and tools to lead, they do not just follow—they transform.