DAMASCUS(RAHNUMA): Officials from the Syrian government and international organizations attended a high-level technical workshop on data governance and social protection as part of efforts to modernize social safety systems and improve policy coordination in the country.
Organized by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, the workshop brought together representatives from the World Bank, World Food Programme, UNICEF and the International Labour Organization.
The discussions focused on establishing a unified framework for data governance within social protection programs, including data mapping, protection standards, interoperability and institutional coordination.
Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Hind Kabawat stressed the need for a national data governance framework to improve efficiency, fairness and public trust, and said reliable data was essential for sustainable financial planning and targeted social support.
She emphasized the importance of state-owned systems that safeguard institutional sovereignty and personal data protection.
Finance Minister Yisr Barnieh highlighted the role of accurate data in allocating resources to key service sectors such as health and education, underscoring its importance in poverty reduction efforts and improving the effectiveness of social spending.
Officials from the Planning and Statistics Authority and Ministry of Communications and Technology underscored the need for an integrated digital infrastructure and secure electronic linkage between institutions to support evidence-based decision-making and reduce duplication and waste.
A World Bank representative reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting the Syrian Arab Republic in developing an effective social protection system, stressing that coordinated international engagement and clearly defined responsibilities are critical to strengthening national capacities.
The workshop formed part of broader efforts to develop a national social protection strategy capable of responding to growing economic and social challenges facing Syrian families.
