UNDP Syria

Implementing Partner: State Planning Commission
Practice Area: Democratic Governance
Total Budget: $1,246,695 USD (DGTTF $221,695 USD, TRAC $75,000 USD, Programme Cost-sharing $450,000 USD, MTN C/S $500,000 USD) 
Duration: 2007-2010
Status: Ongoing
Location: Damascus

Description / Overview:

This Programme aims at achieving inclusive growth through enhancing civic engagement and introducing UN Global Compact to leading Syrian businesses and NGOs and utilizing corporate citizenship in assisting the development of the local community. In this regard, the Programme will build on and complement the ongoing creation of a Business Platform where socioeconomic development players can come together for the first time in Syria.

Objectives:

1. The UN Global Compact: Inclusive Growth concept promoted and applied through effective NGOs facilitation between the private sector and local communities using CSR as an entry point. And the completion of three assessment studies concerning Human Rights, Labour Conditions, Corporate Environment Impact, and Anti-Corruption Measures conducted and launches through the GC framework. And launch the Global Compact in Syria with full participation of all stakeholders and expand its Local Network.
2. University Cancer Research Center Supported by MTN: This project aims at establishing an innovative University  Cancer Research Center in Syria supported by MTN in order to diagnose cancer causes with proper technology as well as increasing cancer awareness among men, women and children on early intervention. The Center will help diagnose the cancer causes, diversity frequency and geographical distribution using an innovative laboratory. In addition, the research will serve as a national source of control efforts, including epidemiological study, clinical research, and prevention and cessation intervention development.

2.1. Main Objective: To improve the living standards through achieving the universal access to cancer treatment through building a linkage between the private sector, local authorities and local communities.

2.2. Specific Project Objectives

o   To support the efforts of the local authorities in increasing the number of local communities receiving the treatment in Syria.

o   To reduce the number of infected people through raising awareness campaigns.

o   To make sure that the local community have the knowledge and means to prevent infection.

3. Developing the Microfinance National Strategy: the aims of this output is to support the Syrian Government’s efforts in developing the microfinance sector in Syria.  Towards this end, this project will assist in developing a National Strategy for Microfinance in Syria that is owned by the Syrians and includes detailed policy recommendations and a proposed action plan for establishing a microfinance institution.  Covering a time span of five years (2020-2015), the strategy will be produced in the form of a National  Microfinance Vision and Strategy  that will be detailing the vision, strategy, and major actions required to develop a vibrant microfinance sector that is integrated in the formal financial system. 

Target Beneficiaries:

The UN Global Compact: Private Sector, NGOs, Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Local Communities

University Cancer research center supported by MTN:

o   Cancer patients and possibly exposed citizens to cancer causing factors

o   The medical staff at Al Bairouni Hospital (doctors an d nurses)

o   The staff at the hospital (workers and administrative)

o   Syrian Government (in-direct way)

o   Local community.

Developing the Microfinance National strategy: Public sector organizations, privates sector, local communities, small and micro enterprises, entrepreneurs etc.  However, the new contribution will expand the coverage to an additional number of target beneficiaries such as young  men and women.

Achievements/Current Status:

Global Compact (2008-Present):

·         The UN Global Compact Network – Syria established and launched with 42 current members from all stakeholder categories. The Syria GCLN was named 1^st in growth ratio by the GC NY Office in 2008.

·         The 10 Principles of the Compact sensitized in partnership with NGO partners in the main four cities in the country

·         The assessment studies produced on the impact of private sector activities on environment, human and labour conditions and anti-corruption

·         The first UN Global Compact National Advisory Council established and operationalzed to lead the initiative toward an ultimate goal of achieving “inclusive market growth” in Syria

·         UNGC Syria Webpage created and linked to UNDP Syria website

·         25 development projects were prepared in a concept note format to be circulated among target partners and three of which have been launched:

1.    MTN Cancer Research Center ($500,000 USD)

2.    Reviving the Old Souks in Der el Zor with Emaar – Syria ($24,000 USD)

3.    Byblos Bank Support to Children with Cancer-Easy Save with Basma-($30,000 USD)

·         The first UN Global Compact Local Network Profile and Guidebook issued in Arabic and English

·         Strong attendance for knowledge sharing and capacity building in regional and international forums to display the Syria success story

·         Syria Compact Network and Council Member, MTN-Syria, displayed their success story in cooperating with different UN Agencies in Syria for achieving the MDGs in a the Private Sector Focal Point Meeting in Geneva by invitation from UNDP’s Private Sector Division in NY

·         An agreement was signed with ILO to conduct the Human and Labour Conditions study and provide a capacity building program to selected 13 NGOs in Damascus, Aleppo and Der el Zor on the relevant Compact Principles as well as the role of their civic monitoring on good business practices and resource mobilization

·         The Syria GCLN is the first Local Network to attend the Leaders Summit 2010 on a Patron Sponsor level, which the NY Office has described as “setting the example”

University Cancer Research Center supported by MTN

·         Project team in place.

·         The Draft Book Of Conditions is finalized for University Cancer  Research Center HIS System

Developing the Microfinance National Strategy

·         Strategy team of international and national experts recruited

·         Consultative meetings with line ministries and stakeholders conducted

·         Four analytical studies on MIS, situational analysis, legal framework, and analysis of stakeholders developed and launched

·         A number of consultative sessions were held with Government partners with high level attendance by officials and technical experts

·         First draft of the National strategy finalized and shared with the government and the peers for their review and comments

Partnerships:

State Planning Commission

Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour

Ministry of Higher Education

MTN

Chambers of Commerce & Industry
Private Sector Entities

Issues and Difficulties:
 

·         Delay in launching the three case studies with national counterparts

·         Private sector unable to fully cooperative in applying the labour standards with a Labour law in transition.

·         Making sure Government, Private Sector and NGOs are buying in to achieve outputs in a consultative and cooperative manner.

Project Documents Link:  

·         Enhancing Civic Engagement in CSR through Inclusive Growth based Civic-Private Sector Partnerships   

National Project Director (NPD): Muhammad A. Agha
UNDP Project Management: Business For Development Team
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Last update of project information: May 2010