UK Signals Readiness to Fund Syria's Education Rebuilding via UNICEF and World Bank

Meetings on the Forum's Sidelines

British and Syrian delegations held a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Education World Forum (EWF), held in London from 17 to 20 May 2026. The forum, described as the largest annual gathering of education ministers worldwide, provided the setting for substantive discussions on rebuilding Syria's education and higher education sectors, and on supporting scientific research and technical training.

The Syrian delegation was led by Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Marwan al-Halabi and Minister of Education Mohammad Abdul Rahman Turko, alongside senior officials. They met with a British Foreign Office delegation headed by Peter McDermott, Development Director for Syria and head of the Iraq, Syria and Yemen Department.

British Commitment to Education Rebuilding

McDermott affirmed the United Kingdom's readiness to be among the first donors to Syria's education sector, channelling support through established international mechanisms, primarily UNICEF and the World Bank. The areas of anticipated support include:

• Rehabilitation of schools in Idlib governorate
• Child protection programmes
• Language training and extracurricular activity facilities
• Coordination with the international community to support scientific research and educational infrastructure

McDermott underscored that Syria's stability and the development of a skilled national workforce represent strategic priorities for the United Kingdom, reiterating British support for rebuilding infrastructure, the economy, and the education system.

Syria's Education Priorities

Minister al-Halabi stated that developing education across all levels is a national priority grounded in evidence and data. He outlined plans to introduce modern academic specialisations, including:

• Artificial intelligence
• Smart agriculture
• Cybersecurity

Al-Halabi noted that Syria aims to raise enrolment in technical and vocational education to 40%, while addressing the learning loss accumulated over years of conflict and expanding digital and compensatory education programmes.

Joint Cooperation Agenda

Both sides discussed a range of shared priorities, including the reactivation of the Chevening scholarship programme, the reopening of a British cultural centre in Damascus, and the expansion of international grant schemes. They also addressed the strengthening of digital educational infrastructure and technical support for rebuilding educational facilities through partnerships with the World Bank and UNICEF.

Context of Syria's Participation

Syria's participation in the Education World Forum 2026 reflects broader governmental efforts to re-engage with international institutions and position education as a cornerstone of national development. On the forum's sidelines, al-Halabi held meetings with counterparts from Lebanon, Libya, Egypt, Jordan, Ghana, Mauritania, and Azerbaijan, as well as several European delegations, to explore avenues for academic and scientific cooperation.