The Federation of Syrian Chambers of Commerce has announced the formation of the “Syrian Youth and Entrepreneurs Council,” a new initiative designed to support young founders and foster economic empowerment. The move, formalized by an administrative decision on May 21, 2026, aims to create a dedicated platform to help transform early-stage startups into sustainable, long-term businesses.
Quick Facts
- Launched by the Federation of Syrian Chambers of Commerce.
- Aims to support young entrepreneurs and startups.
- Focuses on creating sustainable economic entities.
From Theory to Practice
The council was established following deliberations by the Federation’s board on April 13, 2026. Its primary goal is to provide practical support for young entrepreneurs, moving beyond theoretical encouragement to tangible execution. The initiative intends to connect founders with the private sector and economic institutions both inside and outside Syria.
This will be facilitated through a series of conferences, forums, training programs, and specialized workshops. The objective is to build a culture of innovation and provide direct support for promising new ventures, helping to create new jobs and tackle high youth unemployment—a significant challenge for the country’s economy.
Calls for Inclusivity and Measurable Impact
While the initiative has been welcomed, observers like the Syrian Future Movement have highlighted potential challenges. They caution against the council becoming a purely administrative body or an exclusive platform for a select few, urging for genuine impact that reaches young people across all regions.
To ensure its effectiveness, several recommendations have been put forward. These include guaranteeing fair geographical representation on the council, with a focus on marginalized and remote areas. Another key suggestion is to implement transparent, periodic evaluation mechanisms and key performance indicators to track the number of successful startups, jobs created, and the market success rate of supported projects. The establishment of an interactive digital platform has also been proposed to connect youth from all governorates, promote transparency, and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.
About the Syrian Youth and Entrepreneurs Council
The Syrian Youth and Entrepreneurs Council is an initiative established by the Federation of Syrian Chambers of Commerce. It is designed to foster a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Syria by providing young founders with the resources, network, and support needed to transform their ideas into sustainable and impactful businesses. The council aims to bridge the gap between emerging startups and the established private sector to drive economic growth and job creation.
Source: Syrian Future Movement
