This is a watershed moment for Syria.

Syrians are on the threshold of a historic opportunity to realize their aspirations for a peaceful, prosperous and inclusive future. But the road ahead is a rocky one.

After 14 years of war, Syria’s economy has lost out on an estimated $800 billion in GDP. Infrastructure for critical services has been devastated. And millions of Syrians — inside and outside Syria — continue to need massive levels of support for food, shelter, basic services and livelihoods. This includes the thousands of Syrians who have returned since December. And it includes the five million Syrian refugees in neighboring countries who are deciding their next step.

In all, over two-thirds of the population require humanitarian assistance, making Syria one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world. But funding for the humanitarian response continues to fall short.

The international community must move with urgency to invest in Syria’s future. By expanding humanitarian support and reconsidering any cuts to funding at this critical time. By investing in Syria’s recovery, including addressing sanctions and other restrictions. And by supporting efforts to ensure an orderly and inclusive political transition, along with the creation of institutions that serve, reflect and protect all Syrians.

The future of Syria is a matter for Syrians to determine, and my Special Envoy is working with them to help shape that future.

The United Nations remains committed to helping Syrians build a country where reconciliation, justice, freedom, and prosperity are shared realities for all.

This is the path to sustainable peace in Syria.

A Syria for all Syrians.

A prosperous and thriving Syria.

A Syria — finally — at peace.

Let’s work together to help the people of Syria as they take these momentous next steps in their journey towards a free, prosperous and peaceful future.

***

As Muslims around the world come together to mark the holy month of Ramadan, many do so in fear — fear of discrimination, exclusion, and even violence.

We are witnessing a disturbing rise in anti-Muslim bigotry: From racial profiling and discriminatory policies that violate human rights and dignity, to outright violence against individuals and places of worship.

This is part of a wider scourge of intolerance, extremist ideologies, and attacks against religious groups and vulnerable populations.

When one group is attacked, the rights and freedoms of all are at risk.

As a global community, we must reject and eradicate bigotry.

Governments must foster social cohesion and protect religious freedom.

Online platforms must curb hate speech and harassment.

And we must all speak out against bigotry, xenophobia, and discrimination.

On this International Day to Combat Islamophobia, let us work together to uphold equality, human rights and dignity, and build inclusive societies where everyone, regardless of their faith, can live in peace and harmony.

(United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ video message to the Ninth Annual Brussels Conference “Standing with Syria: meeting the needs for a successful transition” on 17 March 2025, and remarks at the International Day to Combat Islamophobia on 14 March 2025.)