2025 – 2026

In August 2025, the European Center for Kurdish Studies established a Center for Democratic Change in Damascus and Qamishli. The aim of this democracy promotion project was to foster dialogue between Syrian civil society and experts in order to discuss how an inclusive, democratic political system could be designed and implemented in Syria. Among other things, discussions focused on which forms of government would be suitable for Syria, the advantages and disadvantages of a presidential and parliamentary system, forms of decentralization and their benefits for the majority of society, participatory structures at the local level, in educational institutions or political parties, quotas for women and minorities, and language rights.

The project was funded by the Syria Peace Initiative.

Further information on the work of the Center for Democratic Change in Damascus and Qamishli can be found on social media.