As part of its mandate to promote human development and democratic transition in the Arab region and as a response to the dire conflict in the Syrian Arab Republic, ESCWA launched the National Agenda for the Future of Syria (NAFS) in 2012 to serve as a platform for dialogue for a network of Syrian stakeholders coming from different communities and from across the political spectrum. Since its inception, inclusivity, Syrian ownership, impartiality, conflict sensitivity, advocacy and relevance have been the key principles guiding the work of NAFS. Its inclusive approach to enhancing a culture of dialogue and promoting sustainable peace has enabled it to bring Syrians together to develop policy alternatives on the most pressing economic, social and governance issues. To implement its programme, NAFS draws on its Syrian network and partnerships as well as ESCWA expertise in the context of transition and its networks within the United Nations system.
