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A volunteer with the Syrian Clothes Bank helps a child choose clothing, reflecting the initiative’s focus on dignity, choice and community support. (L24)
A volunteer with the Syrian Clothes Bank helps a child choose clothing, reflecting the initiative’s focus on dignity, choice and community support. (L24)

Free clothing bank opens in Damascus, bringing families in need and volunteers together in spirit of solidarity

22 June 2026.  The Syrian Clothes Bank offers free clothing to families recovering from war and economic hardship, and more. Organizers say the act of choosing clothing helps restore a sense of dignity and personal agency. A volunteer said the experience strengthens her appreciation for the rewards of giving.Read more at: LEVANT 24

People around the world mark World Refugee Day as new UNHCR data shows over 14 million displaced people returning home in 2025. (SANA)
People around the world mark World Refugee Day as new UNHCR data shows over 14 million displaced people returning home in 2025. (SANA)

One of world’s largest movements of refugees returned to Syria in 2025

20 June 2026.  UNHCR says 1.3 million Syrians returned from abroad in 2025. In March 2026, a presidential decree officially committed the state to providing suitable conditions for returning refugees and internally displaced people through rehabilitation of infrastructure and services in war-ravaged areas.Read more at: SANA

Set atop Idlib’s highlands, the Qalb Lozeh Church, with its sweeping arches and finely carved stonework, reflects the skill and imagination of Syria’s early Byzantine builders. (SANA)
Set atop Idlib’s highlands, the Qalb Lozeh Church, with its sweeping arches and finely carved stonework, reflects the skill and imagination of Syria’s early Byzantine builders. (SANA)

Byzantine church reflects Syria’s lasting imprint on Christian architectural traditions

18 June 2026.  Qalb Lozeh Church, a major landmark within the Ancient Villages of Northern Syria (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), was once a significant center of worship and pilgrimage. Built in the late fifth century, its design influenced the construction of medieval churches across the Mediterranean world.Read more at: SANA

Presiding Judge Fakhr al-Din al-Aryan and fellow justices overseeing historic trials of former regime officials in Damascus (L), Bar Association head Muhammad Ali al Tawil (R). (SANA)
Presiding Judge Fakhr al-Din al-Aryan and fellow justices overseeing historic trials of former regime officials in Damascus (L), Bar Association head Muhammad Ali al Tawil (R). (SANA)

Syria’s legal authorities uphold accountability under law as path to justice, not revenge

17 June 2026.  While Syrian people yearn for swift justice for the Assad regime’s atrocities, legal experts support transitional justice, based on evidence-based fair trials, as the way to reconcile accountability with social stability. Thousands of former military and security officials have been detained and trials have begun.Read more at: SANA

A traditional Circassian dance performance at Cultural Palace in Homs showcasing Circassian heritage as part of Syria’s Intangible Heritage week. (SANA)
A traditional Circassian dance performance at Cultural Palace in Homs showcasing Circassian heritage as part of Syria’s Intangible Heritage week. (SANA)

Circassian identity honored during Syria’s Heritage Week

16 June 2026.  The event in Homs celebrating Circassian heritage showcased clothing, cuisine and folklore, highlighting the community’s role in Syria’s cultural mosaic. Strong public attendance at the week’s festivities reflects growing interest in preserving Syria’s pluralistic cultural heritage.Read more at: SANA

Syria's Minister of Economy and Industry and Turkey's Minister of Trade at the Anadolu Cities Economies Summit, June 9, 2026. (Anadolu)
Syria's Minister of Economy and Industry and Turkey's Minister of Trade at the Anadolu Cities Economies Summit, June 9, 2026. (Anadolu)

New chapter in Damascus-Ankara economic cooperation begins at Anadolu Summit

12 June 2026.  The economic summit held in Gaziantep, Turkey marked a step beyond communications and toward longterm Syrian–Turkish economic partnerships, focusing on shared interests in trade, industry, transport, border crossings, and the Aleppo–Gaziantep economic axis.Read more at: ENAB BALADI

Ambassador Ibrahim Olabi, Syria’s permanent representative to the UN. (Syrian Observer)
Ambassador Ibrahim Olabi, Syria’s permanent representative to the UN. (Syrian Observer)

Syria presents vision for regional stability and cooperative diplomacy to UN Security Council

11 June 2026.  At a UN Security Council debate titled “Advancing Political Solutions in the Middle East,” Ambassador Olabi stated that Syria is pursuing a “balanced and moderate approach” based on dialogue and constructive relations with all countries, seeking to strengthen partnerships and ease tensions in the region.Read more at: LEVANT 24

Syrian rescue teams participate in a multinational urban search-and-rescue exercise in Qatar. (SANA)
Syrian rescue teams participate in a multinational urban search-and-rescue exercise in Qatar. (SANA)

Syria joins Qatar and France in trailblazing regional emergency response training

11 June 2026.  Syria joined Qatar and France in a trilateral urban search and rescue training exercise focused on disaster response and rescue operations in urban environments. Qatar’s Interior Minister described the exercise as a milestone in regional emergency response cooperation.Read more at: SANASee more images at: SANA

Syria's Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, Hind Kabawat (far right), attends the U.N. disability rights conference (COSP) in New York
Syria's Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, Hind Kabawat (far right), attends the U.N. disability rights conference (COSP) in New York

Syria urges stronger global support for disability rights at UN conference

10 June 2026.  At the UN’s COSP19 conference in New York, Minister Hind Kabawat called for increased international support for the rights and rehabilitation of 1.5 million Syrians living with disabilities resulting from many years of airstrikes, explosives, landmines and chemical attacks.Read more at: SANA

The colonnaded avenue of Apamea, a landmark of the ancient Syrian city. (Gianfranco Gazzetti, Heritage Daily)
The colonnaded avenue of Apamea, a landmark of the ancient Syrian city. (Gianfranco Gazzetti, Heritage Daily)

Apamea, ancient Syrian city founded c. 300 BC, gains renewed international recognition

10 June 2026.  Apamea, one of the region’s most important archaeological sites, dating back to the time of Alexander the Great, has been added to the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) heritage lists. The inclusion will help to promote and preserve Syria’s cultural heritage.Read more at: SANA

Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency). (REUTERS:Elisabeth Mandl)
Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency). (REUTERS:Elisabeth Mandl)

IAEA chief says Syria’s cooperation marks a breakthrough in transparency and technical progress

10 June 2026.  IAEA Director General Grossi said that Syria’s full cooperation has led to the rapid resolution of questions about the past regime’s nuclear activity. He noted the IAEA had been granted unrestricted access to the sites in question, calling it unprecedented.Read more at: SYRIAN OBSERVER

Officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates held a workshop in Damascus to review an anti-terror strategy. (SANA)
Officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates held a workshop in Damascus to review an anti-terror strategy. (SANA)

Syria’s programs reflect “an ethical pledge and steadfast national vow” to prohibit torture

8 June 2026.  Syria’s Foreign Ministry held a workshop with government ministries, the UN, and victims associations to review a national strategy to prevent torture, used by the former regime as “…a brutal machine designed to spread terror, break spirits and crush the humanity of Syrians.”Read more at: SANA

Over 250 participants attend the opening of Syria’s first conference on women’s health in Damascus. (SANA)
Over 250 participants attend the opening of Syria’s first conference on women’s health in Damascus. (SANA)

Syria holds 3-day scientific conference on women’s health with Arab and European partners

5 June 2026.  Syria hosted a regional conference organized by Arab and Syrian-European institutions to expand scientific cooperation in gynecology, oncology, and family health. Sponsored by Syria’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, participants heard from 35 international speakers.Read more at: SANA

Syrian National Physics Team medal winners of the 2026 KAI International Physics Olympiad. (SANA)
Syrian National Physics Team medal winners of the 2026 KAI International Physics Olympiad. (SANA)

Syrian students win five medals at 2026 KAI International Physics Olympiad

5 June 2026.  Syria’s national physics team won one silver and four bronze medals at KAIPhO 2026, a competition for high school students advanced in theoretical physics with judges from Russia, Kazakhstan, and the US. Officials see results as reflective of the quality of Syria’s scientific Olympiad training.Read more at: SANA

Solar projects across Syria gain momentum as renewable energy becomes critical. (L24)
Solar projects across Syria gain momentum as renewable energy becomes critical. (L24)

Syria accelerates shift to solar power as reconstruction drives demand for reliable energy

4 June 2026.  Syrian households, businesses and farms are increasingly turning to solar energy as an affordable solution to chronic electricity shortages. Imports of Chinese solar panels grew significantly in the spring of 2026. Agreements with Saudi and US firms are slated to greatly expand renewables.Read more at: LEVANT 24

Italian musicians join the Syrian National Symphony Orchestra in a concert at the Damascus Opera House. (SANA)
Italian musicians join the Syrian National Symphony Orchestra in a concert at the Damascus Opera House. (SANA)

Italian and Syrian musicians perform in Damascus concert marking Italy’s National Day

3 June 2026.  The event, titled “Italian Breezes,” brought together Italian artists and the Syrian National Symphony Orchestra in a program blending Italian classical works and Syrian musical traditions, concluding with Arab Symphonic Dances by Syrian composer Nouri Al-Rahiban.Read more at: SANA

Officials and business leaders meet in Damascus to shape the private sector’s role in Syria’s new economy. (SANA)
Officials and business leaders meet in Damascus to shape the private sector’s role in Syria’s new economy. (SANA)

Syria stands at ‘historic juncture’ as conference explores private sector’s role in recovery

3 June 2026.  Syria’s First National Private Sector Conference convened to redefine the sector’s role in the post-transition economy and lay the groundwork for long-term public-private cooperation. The Ministry of Economy and Industry organized the event in cooperation with the UNDP and Japan’s government.Read more at: SYRIAN OBSERVER