Conference in Hasakah, North and East Syria, charts vision for democratic and pluralistic Syria

HASAKAH, North and East Syria — In a powerful reflection of the region’s rich social and ethnic tapestry, the Unity of the Components of North and East Syria Conference was launched in the city of Hasakah under the slogan Together for a Diversity that Strengthens Our Unity, and a Partnership that Builds Our Future.

The event brought together over 400 prominent figures from across the region’s communities, including representatives from the Syriac Union Party in Syria (SUP Syria) and Syriac Orthodox Archbishop Mor Maurice Amsih. Characterized by a strong national and inclusive spirit, the conference featured speeches from both religious and political leaders, who underscored the importance of preserving cultural and religious pluralism as the foundation for building Syria’s future.

Siham Quryo, Co-Chair of the Democratic People’s Council, highlighted that Syriacs (Arameans–Assyrians–Chaldeans) — despite enduring decades of marginalization — have now become vital partners in the Democratic Autonomous Administration of the Region of North and East Syria (DAARNES) project, which is rooted in tolerance and respect for diversity.

Archbishop Amsih offered prayers for the protection of the region, its people, and its leadership, stressing that love and unity are the bedrock of building a new Syria.

Ilham Ahmed, Co-Chair of the DAARNES Foreign Relations Commission, described the conference as taking place at a “pivotal stage” that demands deep political and moral responsibility from all participants. Laila Karaman, Co-Chair of the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), emphasized that the country’s fragile condition requires rising above internal divisions and focusing collectively on the future.

Addressing the security situation, Siban Hamo, a member of the General Command of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), warned that the Syrian government’s continued rigidity and authoritarianism would exclude the SDF from any viable partnership. Hussein Othman, Co-Chair of the DAARNES Executive Council, praised the solidarity shown among the region’s communities and urged a rejection of sectarianism in favor of building a homeland that embraces all its people.

Sanharib Barsom, Co-Chair of SUP Syria, emphasized the conference’s deeper democratic and strategic significance. “This conference is important to us because it means that the various components of North and East Syria come together in dialogue. They join their individual demands and unite them in a shared vision for Syria’s future,” Barsom stated. “Inclusivity and shared vision are essential elements of a new democratic system. Unfortunately, we see this is not yet valid for the whole of Syria. The different perspectives of the various peoples are being ignored. The components of Syria are not allowed to participate in government governance. Their demands are simply dismissed.”

Barsom underlined that it is precisely this exclusion that makes gatherings such as the Hasakah conference indispensable:

“Occasions like this are so important: for the diverse population groups to come together and formulate a unified vision for Syria’s future and its constitution. Naturally, each population group also has its own program and demands. But by jointly formulating — in the final statement of the conference — a set of demands, where each population group stands up for the rights of the other, this gives combined strength and forms the foundation for democracy and for recognition of all peoples, without discrimination to ethnicity, denomination, or religion.”

In a notable show of cross-sectarian support, video messages were shared from Sheikh Ghazal Ghazal, head of the Religious Council of the Supreme Alawite Islamic Council, and Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, spiritual leader of the Druze community. Both expressed strong support for the conference’s goals and emphasized the importance of unity in addressing shared challenges.

The conference’s final statement laid out a clear and ambitious commitment to a democratic national path rooted in diversity, equal citizenship, and genuine partnership. It acknowledged the historical presence of the region’s diverse communities and the long-standing marginalization they have endured. The statement emphasized that ethnic and religious diversity should be seen as a source of strength rather than a threat.

SUP Syria Co-Chair Barsom highlighted the urgency of rejecting divisive ideologies that threaten Syria’s social cohesion. “Only in this way can we come to a Syria for all Syrians, for all its peoples. Only in this way can the state stand against hate speech and sectarian divide. We see a lot of this today. Moreover, certain groups within Syria are fueling this. A state should combat such extreme ideologies because they only lead to more violence and death. They pose a great danger.” He added that the conference’s mission is precisely to “counter such extreme ideologies, to stand together against division and hatred.”

The final statement also advocated for the further development of the autonomous governance model, describing it as a scalable and participatory political experience. The role of the SDF was highlighted as the foundation of a professional, volunteer-based Syrian national army committed to protecting the country and upholding its pluralism.

In a call with long-term strategic implications, the statement recommended convening a comprehensive Syrian national conference that would bring together all national and democratic forces to forge a unified national identity. It called for the inclusion of women, youth, and civil society actors in efforts to rebuild the state on democratic, decentralized, and peaceful foundations.

“We believe in coexistence,” Barsom concluded. “By continuing on this path, we believe that many Syrians, people who share our vision, will join us on this journey. And thus, we will have a part in Syria’s future.”

With its inclusive discourse and collective spirit, the conference represented more than a meeting — it offered a roadmap for a new Syria: a united, free, democratic, and pluralistic nation governed by the rule of law, where human dignity is upheld and all citizens enjoy equal rights and responsibilities.