The Syrian-German Conference on Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Cooperation opened in Damascus on Tuesday, 13 October 2026. Officials launched the event at the Ministry of Education headquarters in Damascus to address bilateral ties between Syria and Germany. This two-day program occupies the Ministry of Education facilities throughout its duration. Participants intend to examine current frameworks for collaboration across academic and cultural sectors during the scheduled sessions. The conference represents a formal meeting point for representatives from both nations as they evaluate ongoing institutional partnerships.
The conference is a two-day program held at the Ministry of Education headquarters in Damascus. By utilizing the facilities at the Ministry of Education, the organizers have provided a centralized venue for the various delegations to conduct their discussions. This location serves as the primary site for all workshops and plenary meetings scheduled over the course of the two-day program. The selection of the Ministry of Education headquarters shows the administrative focus of the meetings, ensuring that the dialogue remains closely aligned with the institutional goals of the educational ministries involved.
Joint Organizational Framework
The Syrian National Commission for UNESCO and the German Commission for UNESCO manage the organization of this conference. The event is jointly organized by the Syrian and German National Commissions for UNESCO. Through this collaborative effort, the two commissions have established a structured agenda that facilitates direct communication between the participants. By pooling resources and administrative expertise, the Syrian National Commission for UNESCO and the German Commission for UNESCO have created a platform intended to foster long-term engagement between the two nations.
The conference aims to address cooperation in general, vocational, and higher education, scientific research, adult education, and lifelong learning. Both commissions established the event to address cooperation across several specific sectors, including general education, vocational education, and higher education. The program also covers scientific research, adult education, and lifelong learning as primary areas for bilateral engagement. By focusing on these specific sectors, the participants intend to build a full overview of the current state of cooperation and identify new opportunities for institutional synergy.
Mohamed Abdul Rahman Turko, Syrian Minister of Education and Chairman of the Syrian National Commission for UNESCO, stated: "The conference provides a foundation for developing joint agreements and issuing strategic recommendations aimed at deepening Syrian-German cooperation within the UNESCO framework."
Roman Luckscheiter, Secretary-General of the German Commission for UNESCO, addressed the objectives of the participants during the opening sessions. He said: "I hope that the conference would generate sustainable initiatives and strengthen mutual understanding grounded in UNESCO’s principles."
The proceedings are expected to continue through the remainder of the scheduled time. As the sessions progress, the representatives will focus on the technical aspects of the proposed cooperation, aiming to finalize the strategic recommendations mentioned by Mohamed Abdul Rahman Turko. The organizers anticipate that the discussions will lead to a clearer understanding of the shared goals between the Syrian and German institutions, ultimately supporting the broader objectives of the UNESCO framework. The focus remains on tangible outcomes that can be implemented following the conclusion of the two-day program.
