U.N. Secretary-General Guterres Calls for International Support for Syrians Amid Reconstruction Efforts
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has made a significant appeal to the international community to support the Syrian people during his visit to Damascus. This marks his first visit to Syria as U.N. chief, nearly two years after the fall of Bashar Assad. Guterres met with Syria’s interim president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, and toured the old quarter of Damascus. The visit comes as Syria attempts to recover from a devastating conflict that began in 2011, resulting in nearly half a million deaths and extensive destruction. Despite the end of the Assad family's five-decade rule in 2024, Syria continues to face challenges, including the impact of Western sanctions and cuts to international aid. The U.N. estimates that 90% of Syria's population lives in poverty, and the World Bank has assessed that rebuilding the country could cost approximately $216 billion. 
