تحت إشراف إغاثي الملك سلمان: إعادة تأهيل المخابز المتضررة في سوريا باستثمار 5 ملايين دولار أمريكي

Significance of the Joint Project Between King Salman Relief Center and UNDP to Rehabilitate Bakeries in Syria

During the European Humanitarian Forum 2025 held in Brussels, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center officially launched a collaborative project with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) aimed at rehabilitating damaged bakeries in Syria. This significant initiative has an allocated budget of $5 million.

The agreement was signed by Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al-Rubaish, a royal court advisor and the general supervisor of the Center, alongside Achim Steiner, the Administrator of UNDP. This partnership signifies a strong commitment from both organizations to address the pressing humanitarian needs in Syria, particularly in the realm of food security.

Under this joint project, a total of 33 government-operated bakeries situated in several regions—including Rural Damascus, Latakia, Daraa, Deir ez-Zor, Homs, Sweida, Hama, and Aleppo—will undergo extensive rehabilitation. The scope of the project encompasses essential repair work, the provision of new production lines, and the maintenance of deteriorating existing systems. Additionally, the initiative will focus on the refurbishment of two mobile units for bread production. These efforts are crucial to restoring the operational functionality of the affected bakeries, thereby enhancing the overall food supply in these local areas.

The primary goal of this undertaking is to strengthen food security in regions that are home to numerous returnees, internally displaced people, and host communities. By reviving the critical operations of the affected bakeries and enhancing their production capacity, the project aims to meet the fundamental food needs of the local populations. Moreover, it is expected to create approximately 500 job opportunities within the bakeries, thereby facilitating an economic resurgence in these affected communities.

This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader humanitarian efforts as represented by the King Salman Relief Center. The Center has been actively involved in numerous projects aimed at enhancing food security, encouraging early recovery, and alleviating the suffering of afflicted populations worldwide. Through collaboration with various UN humanitarian organizations, the Center seeks to implement impactful interventions that address the dire circumstances faced by those in need.

The project underscores the urgency of addressing humanitarian crises through strategic partnerships and targeted interventions. In a nation like Syria, where the repercussions of conflict have dramatically impacted infrastructure and social stability, such initiatives are integral to rebuilding community resilience and ensuring that basic needs are met.

Furthermore, the rehabilitation of the bakeries not only focuses on restoring food production but also plays a critical role in enhancing social cohesion within these vulnerable communities. By providing employment opportunities and restoring essential services, the project can help to foster stability and a sense of normalcy in the lives of those affected by years of conflict.

In conclusion, the collaboration between the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center and the UNDP marks a pivotal step toward addressing the urgent food security crisis in Syria. The restoration of bakeries is expected to serve as a foundation for broader efforts to revitalize local economies and support the needs of displaced populations and returning citizens. This initiative is an inspiring example of how humanitarian efforts can leverage international partnerships to bring about meaningful change in communities struggling to recover from adversity. Through such initiatives, the hope for a more stable and self-sufficient future for Syria is rekindled, illustrating the power of collaboration in overcoming challenges faced by humanitarian crises.