Google Cloud Speech-to-Text API (Chirp) + Gemini 2.5 Flash Non-Thinking. Treat it as a searchable index of what was broadcast, not a quotation record.
00:00:00Hospitals, schools, and water
00:00:03de-escalation. and energy systems need reform. Many returnees
00:00:06is engaged with still need humanitarian aid as they
00:00:09try to rebuild their lives. Madam
00:00:12education a strategic investment President,
00:00:16representative of the United between internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and communities, there are
00:00:20many growing risks, including, we know, gender-based
00:00:24violence and competition
00:00:31investment in because large numbers of over housing, land, and tenure rights. They face
00:00:32investments, and a
00:00:38Families
00:00:47and preserve
00:00:51they are able real obstacles in accessing
00:00:54basic services and
00:00:56sustainable solutions.
00:01:00We are moving towards supporting returnees
00:01:03and ensuring recovery and the
00:01:06and stability. transitional phase. We should not ignore families and individuals who are
00:01:09still vulnerable and are in need of support.
00:01:12Additionally, winter exacerbates
00:01:16the situation of many internally displaced persons
00:01:19and returnees. Displacement sites
00:01:22government has achieved some are exposed to harsh
00:01:25weather conditions.
00:01:27organization, an organization we established Camps lack heating.
00:01:30This puts the health of children
00:01:32at risk. With the onset of winter,
00:01:35which affirms the right to the United
00:01:37education and its contribution Nations and humanitarian partners have completed
00:01:41students who have missed years a winter plan rural areas, and to protect the most
00:01:45of the few investments vulnerable groups. Without adequate funding, all these individuals
00:01:49will face a winter without life-saving
00:01:52support.
00:01:56Madam President, landmines and explosive
00:02:00remnants impede
00:02:03Council members who wish return and recovery. Since the Council last met
00:02:06on Syria, at least
00:02:1014
00:02:138,000 schools are what Syrian students can people have died and 41
00:02:15Therefore, they are part of were injured in incidents involving explosive
00:02:18remnants. As of December 2024,
00:02:22wait until Syria is 2,566 exists throughout the country. casualties, including 900
00:02:27is how to start deaths, were reported. The majority of
00:02:30contributing to the deaths of hundreds of thousands incidents
00:02:32of people and forcing millions occurred in return
00:02:35during the high-level areas and in agricultural lands
00:02:38and the reality is simple.
00:02:41Syrian Democratic Forces Families return
00:02:43Iran's malign influence to their homes,
00:02:44that every child is able exposed to the risk of death
00:02:48it erase Syria's history, and injury. Farmers cannot safely work their land.
00:02:51Children cannot safely go to school,
00:02:55and communities cannot rebuild.
00:02:59Demining
00:03:02is not just a safety measure, but a prerequisite for rebuilding
00:03:05Syria's future.
00:03:07participated in a number of matters in Madam
00:03:08of 36 President, emergency
00:03:10aid alone is not enough. We also need to invest
00:03:14in lasting solutions. As mentioned
00:03:17during the high-level week
00:03:22of conflict. and the high-level event on Syria,
00:03:25in Syria. We expect the Syrian hosted by the Permanent Mission of Syria,
00:03:28the "No Camps" initiative
00:03:30means not just closing
00:03:33camps, but eliminating the need for camps
00:03:37by providing conditions that allow people to return
00:03:40effectively
00:03:43recorded any deterioration in and sustainably. Families
00:03:48bad news does not to rebuild after years need safe homes, of conflict. Education schools, hospitals, job opportunities, livelihoods, protection services,
00:03:51a positive trend. and demining. More importantly,
00:03:53access to schools and essential services partners in the humanitarian, development, and financial sectors should work
00:03:59There are many together with the government to meet these basic needs and to meet
00:04:07We must also invest and marginalization from humanitarian needs as much as possible. The goal is not
00:04:11Damascus who recognizes institutions, quality Children who have lost years just to help families return, but to help them stay
00:04:13the threat of ISIS and is willing to work with and rebuild their lives. Madam President, the humanitarian
00:04:16response plan for 2026
00:04:18is funded by only
00:04:21to keep their children 32%.
00:04:23It is not surprising that this
00:04:26affects humanitarian work and support.
00:04:31Despite severe underfunding, humanitarian organizations continue
00:04:34to deliver across Syria.
00:04:38people. I saw children Since the beginning
00:04:40And in this of the year,
00:04:41Despite overwhelming approximately 2.4 million
00:04:43or forced to leave the country. people have received emergency assistance
00:04:48supports recovery, and contributes every month, including the Syrian financial system food, medicine,
00:04:53still suffers from severe academic capabilities clean water, children in the Azraq protection services, food, and emergency shelter. Syrian organizations
00:04:56are at the heart of these efforts,
00:04:59accounting for 60% of partners
00:05:01on the ground. The opportunity in Syria
00:05:04is real, but without
00:05:07investment, we may miss this opportunity.
00:05:10Madam President,
00:05:14my requests are clear. Firstly,
00:05:18sustainable humanitarian funding and support
00:05:22for the most vulnerable. Millions still rely
00:05:26on life-saving aid, and winter is
00:05:29fast approaching. Secondly, we should
00:05:32invest in the Syrian people and lasting solutions,
00:05:36including the "No Camps" and "No Mines" initiatives
00:05:39launched by the government.
00:05:43We must invest in basic services and the necessary conditions
00:05:46for sustainable return, and we must invest in
00:05:49an economy that provides Syrians with a stable
00:05:53future. Finally, we must protect
00:05:56Syria from renewed instability
00:05:59the progress already made. The Syrian people
00:06:02deserve a chance to survive, but also
00:06:05to rebuild and prosper. We must not
00:06:34the founder of the Syrian Youth Empowerment
00:06:39in 2016 by students in the United
00:06:44States. We founded this organization on a
00:06:47simple belief: education is a personal opportunity,
00:06:51but it is also a pillar of a peaceful, prosperous,
00:06:55and self-reliant Syria. We have helped
00:06:57more than 400 Syrian students access
00:07:01higher education. We have also contributed to raising more than
00:07:0590 million dollars in scholarships at leading universities
00:07:07in 12 countries, including Harvard.
00:07:11These students are not
00:07:16just scholarship recipients; they are
00:07:18doctors, engineers,
00:07:21teachers, researchers,
00:07:23and future leaders.
00:07:27the generation that will help rebuild Syria. For more than
00:07:3114 years, the Syrian people have suffered from war,
00:07:34displacement, destruction, and great losses. The Assad regime
00:07:38destroyed communities and the education infrastructure,
00:07:45of Syrians to seek refuge in countries
00:07:48around the world, like me. But this did not destroy
00:07:52the resilience of the Syrian people, nor did it destroy
00:07:55our commitment to education, nor did
00:08:11And I can tell you that the country
00:08:14has excellent energy. People
00:08:18want to pursue opportunities, growth, economic
00:08:21development, and, most importantly, the opportunity to rebuild
00:08:24our country. We are also working
00:08:26to renew the meaning of Syrian identity,
00:08:30a shared identity based on dignity, responsibility,
00:08:33creativity, and hope. This moment represents a historic
00:08:36moment, but the challenges remain enormous. After more than
00:08:4014 years of war, approximately
00:08:432.7 million Syrian children
00:08:47have dropped out of school, and approximately 8,000
00:08:50schools are not operating. Many schools are overcrowded
00:08:53and lack sanitation and water services, or are used
00:08:57as shelters for displaced families. Consequently,
00:09:01millions of children are growing up without consistent
00:09:04access to safe, high-quality education. Every year
00:09:08they drop out of school, the risks of
00:09:11child labor, early marriage, exploitation, recruitment,
00:09:16education increase.
00:09:20of education need more than just a school building.
00:09:23They need accelerated education, psychosocial
00:09:27support, trained teachers, safe transportation,
00:09:30educational materials, and a realistic path back into the education
00:09:34system. Even universities
00:09:36have been affected.
00:09:39Insecurity and checkpoints have made
00:09:43traveling to universities for students
00:09:47and staff dangerous. A large number of
00:09:50academics and students have been displaced
00:09:55The losses in electricity,
00:09:58equipment, laboratories, and offices have limited
00:10:03and increased economic difficulties, making
00:10:06it difficult to return to universities.
00:10:10Many Syrian youth have been unable
00:10:14to complete their university degrees.
00:10:17Therefore, protecting and rebuilding
00:10:19universities is an educational priority and a necessity
00:10:23for reconstruction.
00:10:26Public, economic, scientific, legal, engineering, and health
00:10:29service institutions in Syria face major challenges, but
00:10:33now more than ever, it is time to invest
00:10:36in the Syrian education system. The Syrian people are ready,
00:10:40the youth are ready, communities are ready.
00:10:43Government institutions are working with civil society organizations and international
00:10:47partners to respond to urgent needs and plan
00:10:51for recovery. What Syria needs now is partnership,
00:10:54consistent and transparent
00:10:57focus on long-term capabilities, not
00:11:00just emergency situations. I urge member states,
00:11:03international financial institutions, universities, charitable organizations,
00:11:07and the private sector to support five priorities:
00:11:11Firstly, invest in repairing and reopening schools, universities,
00:11:14laboratories, libraries, student shelters,
00:11:18water and electricity systems, and digital infrastructure.
00:11:22Secondly, support teachers, professors, administrators,
00:11:25and researchers with training, fair compensation, psychosocial
00:11:29support, and opportunities to reconnect
00:11:32with the global academic community. Thirdly, expand
00:11:36scholarships, fellowships, distance learning, and
00:11:39degree completion programs. Fourthly, recognize the skills
00:11:43and qualifications of Syrians who studied during
00:11:46displacement and create pathways for refugees and community
00:11:49members who wish to return and contribute.
00:11:52Fifthly, ensure
00:11:56that education recovery is inclusive, meaning ensuring the participation
00:11:59of girls, children with disabilities, displaced people,
00:12:06of schooling. Education is one
00:12:10that strengthens every sector simultaneously. Education
00:12:14improves health outcomes, provides job opportunities,
00:12:17supports accountable institutions, promotes social cohesion, and gives
00:12:20young people a reason to return and build their future
00:12:23in their homeland. Syria can serve as an example
00:12:27of how to rebuild society after war, not by
00:12:30forgetting wounds, but by transforming them into a commitment
00:12:34to opportunity, dignity, and peace. I have seen
00:12:37achieve when given access and support.
00:12:40This potential
00:12:44The international community should not
00:12:47completely rebuilt before investing in the Syrian people. Investing in education
00:12:52rebuilding. I urge
00:12:55you to invest in Syria and support its growth
00:12:58and stand by it to rebuild its educational
00:13:02infrastructure and human capabilities. The Syrian people have preserved
00:13:05their will to learn, create, and rebuild.
00:13:09With effective partnerships, we can help build
00:13:43and I am the Regional Director for Plan International,
00:13:47a humanitarian and development organization working in 80 countries, including
00:13:50Syria. Today, I would like to draw the Council's attention to education
00:13:54in Syria. What is truly important for children
00:13:57at this critical juncture in the country's future
00:14:01is that Syria stands at a critical stage
00:14:04of transition, as families begin to return
00:14:07and communities seek
00:14:11must be recognized as essential infrastructure
00:14:15for recovery.
00:14:18The choices we make now
00:14:20will determine whether
00:14:23a generation, whether a generation of Syrian
00:14:26children can rebuild
00:14:30their lives, or whether years of lost
00:14:33education will deepen inequality, vulnerability,
00:14:36and instability. During my recent visit to Syria,
00:14:40I met with families who are doing their utmost
00:14:46in school, even if it means sending them
00:14:49to schools damaged by war
00:14:52with limited
00:14:55and inadequate resources. But what surprised me was not
00:14:58the destruction, but the determination of the Syrian
00:15:03sitting on the ground under the scorching sun,
00:15:06singing school songs, full of hope
00:15:10and resilience. I witnessed the same determination
00:15:14among Syrian refugee
00:15:17camp in Jordan. They dreamed of
00:15:19returning home, but they feared
00:15:23that their education would be disrupted or that they would be unable
00:15:27to return to school. I also met with Syrian
00:15:30officials who developed a national youth strategy
00:15:33that recognizes a simple and fundamental truth:
00:15:37education must go beyond the classroom
00:15:40and school to equip youth with the skills,
00:15:43abilities, and opportunities necessary to contribute
00:15:46to their country's future.
00:15:49These experiences reinforced one clear message:
00:15:53education must be at the
00:15:56center of Syria's recovery, return, and
00:15:59peacebuilding plan. This is especially urgent
00:16:05displaced people and Syrian refugees
00:16:08have returned to communities where education services are
00:16:11already under immense pressure.
00:16:16are more likely to return
00:16:19and stay when children have access to education.
00:16:22For many, the existence of functioning schools,
00:16:26qualified teachers,
00:16:28and pathways to return to formal education
00:16:32is an essential element in determining whether return
00:16:35is sustainable. Education is also
00:16:38one of the best investments in peace
00:16:43Communities are more resilient when children are learning
00:16:46and are not exposed to child labor,
00:16:50exploitation, recruitment, or early marriage.
00:16:53Education builds social cohesion,
00:16:55enhances resilience, and lays the foundations
00:16:59for long-term recovery and development. For
00:17:02this reason, the Council should act
00:17:06in accordance with its commitment under Resolution
00:17:092601,
00:17:14to sustainable peace and security.
00:17:17By ensuring safe and equitable access
00:17:21to education as part of its engagement
00:17:23on Syria, we must place
00:17:27the most vulnerable children at the heart
00:17:30of this response, especially girls,
00:17:33displaced persons, returnees, children with disabilities,
00:17:36and those who have lost years of education due
00:17:39to the conflict.
00:17:42Today, approximately 2.7 million
00:17:46children have dropped out of school, while
00:17:50not operating or need urgent rehabilitation.
00:17:53Millions are out of school due to
00:17:57protection concerns, administrative barriers, or inability
00:18:00to afford schools.
00:18:03Returning children often face additional
00:18:06barriers with identity
00:18:09documents, recognition of prior learning, differing
00:18:13curricula, and long periods outside of formal education.
00:18:16We must remove these barriers and ensure
00:18:21to learn safely and with dignity.
00:18:24This should be our collective priority.
00:18:28We must also invest
00:18:31in an inclusive, safe,
00:18:35and peaceful learning environment. Schools are not just
00:18:39for learning; they are places
00:18:41that provide protection, recovery, and hope.
00:18:45During my visit to the Damascus countryside, I saw firsthand
00:18:48how schools provide psychosocial support, life skills,
00:18:52and a sense of normal life
00:18:55for children recovering from years
00:18:59We must focus on
00:19:02preventing violence, discrimination,
00:19:05and marginalization and ensuring
00:19:07that children, especially girls,
00:19:11can continue their education without
00:19:14interruption. Safety must
00:19:18extend beyond the school gates.
00:19:22Contaminants from unexploded ordnance
00:19:26still threaten children's lives and prevent their safe
00:19:31in many communities.
00:19:32Rebuilding
00:19:36the education system in Syria will require
00:19:39more than just repairing schools.
00:19:44in teachers,
00:19:47education, and accelerated
00:19:50learning
00:19:52programs to catch up
00:19:56on what they have missed and flexible pathways
00:19:59for children whose education has been disrupted.
00:20:02Without these investments, an entire
00:20:06generation may fall behind, even if we rebuild
00:20:09school buildings. Syria's education
00:20:13system needs sustainable and predictable funding.
00:20:18evidence that education reduces protection risks,
00:20:22promotes social cohesion,
00:20:25to stability, the education sector
00:20:30underfunding.
00:20:32Currently,
00:20:3516.5% of
00:20:38the humanitarian response
00:20:41plan and its education
00:20:45requirements have received $337 million
00:20:48in funding. However, in the context
00:20:52of Russia's recovery, $337 million
00:20:54is a modest investment with guaranteed transformative
00:20:57returns. The international community should consider
00:21:02in peace. The Council should also
00:21:06encourage sustainable support for integrated programs that
00:21:09link education with child protection, mental
00:21:12health, psychosocial support, livelihoods,
00:21:15and community recovery. It should also
00:21:18encourage
00:21:21local and national educational capabilities
00:21:24to enhance
00:21:27the recovery of the entire system.
00:21:30The success of Syria's recovery will be measured
00:21:34by the opportunities available to children
00:21:37and youth. Sustainable peace depends on whether
00:21:41to access quality education and develop the necessary skills
00:21:44for their future, and whether they are
00:21:48able to play a role
00:21:51in rebuilding their society. My message to
00:21:54the Council is a call to action.
00:21:58Education is essential for peacebuilding, protection,
00:22:01and ensuring stability as Syria
00:22:04rebuilds. Education must be linked
00:22:08to skill development, youth leadership, psychosocial
00:22:12well-being, sports, and pathways
00:22:15to decent work. Education must be accessible
00:22:18to children wherever they
00:22:20are on their journey, whether they are displaced,
00:22:24returning home, or rebuilding
00:22:27their lives in communities affected by years of conflict.
00:22:30Investing in children and youth today
00:22:34is one of the most effective measures
00:22:37the international community can take to ensure
00:22:40Syria's long-term stability,
00:23:07the progress the Syrian government continues to make
00:23:11regarding humanitarian and political priorities.
00:23:14We welcome
00:23:18the return of President Bashar al-Assad
00:23:21and the Syrian delegation
00:23:25week last month at the General Assembly.
00:23:28We discussed issues including preventing
00:23:33in the region. Justice and accountability
00:23:36for missing Americans is an American priority,
00:23:40and the United States and Syria co-hosted
00:23:44an event to highlight the voices of the families
00:23:47of the missing and their need for answers and accountability.
00:23:51We were also pleased to participate
00:23:54in the return
00:23:58stolen Syrian artifacts to the Syrian people.
00:24:02We encourage member states to cooperate with Syria
00:24:05to prevent and monitor any trafficking in antiquities,
00:24:08not only to preserve Syria's heritage, but also
00:24:12to prevent terrorists and criminals from obtaining
00:24:16this source of funding.
00:24:20We were honored that, alongside Italy, we participated
00:24:23in co-hosting a meeting of the Global Coalition
00:24:27to Defeat ISIS, including
00:24:30the Syrian government. In this
00:24:33meeting, we discussed the end
00:24:37of Operation Inherent Resolve,
00:24:41which achieved its military objective in Iraq.
00:24:44ISIS no longer controls territory in Iraq
00:24:48and Syria, and we have dismantled its ranks
00:24:51in both countries.
00:24:55We celebrated this coalition and considered
00:24:58that we have a partner in
00:25:03the coalition to eliminate this threat. Lasting peace
00:25:06in Syria depends on the return of sovereign
00:25:10state institutions capable of protecting all
00:25:13communities so that they can all participate
00:25:16in their country's future. Last week, we welcomed
00:25:20the Syrian Minister of Finance and the Governor of the Central
00:25:23Bank in New York
00:25:25to discuss with representatives from the American financial
00:25:29sector the essential steps Syria has taken to reintegrate
00:25:35into the global economy. In Sweden, we reaffirmed
00:25:38our support for the three-way roadmap announced
00:25:42by the United States, Syria, and Jordan. We urge
00:25:45all parties to exercise restraint and continue
00:25:49to implement the roadmap towards accountability,
00:25:52security, reconciliation,
00:25:55and the safe return of displaced Syrians.
00:25:58We still encourage Israel and Syria
00:26:01to exercise restraint and seek
00:26:05The United States
00:26:09both countries to support dialogue and peaceful
00:26:47the situation in Syria. We listened with interest
00:26:50to the representatives of civil society.
00:26:53We emphasize that this contribution
00:26:56from civil society should provide information to the Security
00:27:00Council on issues related to international
00:27:03peace and security. Other issues should be discussed
00:27:06in
00:27:08the relevant UN
00:27:10frameworks. We note the
00:27:14efforts made by the Syrian government to overcome challenges
00:27:18during the transitional period. Over the past
00:27:22two years, the Syrian
00:27:25successes, but the overall situation in the country remains
00:27:28difficult. Nevertheless,
00:27:31the intensive efforts to combat terrorism,
00:27:35strengthen the capabilities of state institutions,
00:27:37and restore
00:27:39the economy after years of war,
00:27:43along with
00:27:52We believe it is important
00:27:55that during the state-building process launched
00:27:59by the Syrian leadership, the interests of all
00:28:02sectarian, religious, and ethnic groups
00:28:06in Syrian society be taken into account. We support
00:28:09the authorities' commitment to protect the rights of all citizens without
00:28:13exception, whether they are residents of Sweida or
00:28:16residents of the Euphrates Shield region. We are closely
00:28:19following the process of reintegrating northeastern
00:28:23Syria, including the Syrian internal consultations in
00:28:27October on some aspects of the work of law
00:28:30enforcement agencies and the judiciary,
00:28:33as well as in the field of education.
00:28:36We expect that the good-faith implementation of the agreement
00:28:40between Damascus and the former
00:28:43will lead to long-term stability in the Euphrates
00:28:47Shield region and prevent clashes between
00:28:50We are monitoring these developments with concern in Al-Hasakah Governorate
00:28:54since the end of September.
00:28:57And what deserves great support is the campaign to combat terrorism
00:29:01that is being carried out by We note the recent operation
00:29:04to arrest one of ISIS leaders in the Damascus region who
00:29:10the bloody terrorist attack last year in
00:29:12Homs and the discovery of new terrorist cells.
00:29:16And in general, the sad statistics
00:29:19of the attacks they carried out confirm that
00:29:22ISIS militants still retain significant combat capabilities
00:29:27authorities to continue to take decisive steps
00:29:31to eradicate terrorism on the ground, including foreign
00:29:35terrorist fighters. Madam
00:29:36President,
00:29:39since the last meeting of the Security Council on Syria, UN
00:29:42experts have not
00:29:46the humanitarian situation in that country. However, the absence of
00:29:50mean there is
00:29:53Syria still needs assistance to restore
00:29:57key social and economic sectors.
00:30:01efforts that must be made to enable people to
00:30:05return to a truly peaceful life. And we believe that the experiences
00:30:09and projects of the relevant United Nations agencies
00:30:12and specialized agencies will succeed here as well.
00:30:16We are cautiously optimistic about the return
00:30:19of Syrians to their places of residence.
00:30:23This process requires the restoration of infrastructure
00:30:26and housing, and this is not an easy task for a country
00:30:30that has been under illegal
00:30:33burdens for years and has not even been able to import
00:30:36construction equipment. We know that the situation cannot
00:30:40be fixed overnight.
00:30:43regard, the priority should remain
00:30:46a stable and predictable transition from humanitarian aid to development
00:30:50aid, and this is something we have
00:30:54been calling for for a long time. We hope
00:30:57that the initiative "no camps and no