Standing with Syria - Brussels ninth conference, 17 March 2025

Distinguished audience,

I thank the European Union for organising today’s conference. It takes place after momentous change in Syria, but as we have seen the path forward will not be an easy one. We do hope, however, that durable peace is within sight, providing the people of Syria opportunity to heal the wounds and to prosper.

I am pleased to announce Iceland´s continued financial support for partners providing humanitarian assistance in Syria and the region, including to UNHCR, OCHA pooled funds, UN Women and WFP.

With new pledges for 2028, our total contributions will amount to 960 million Icelandic króna, over 7 million dollars. We will continue providing flexible and predictable funding, taking into consideration developing needs during transition.

We call on all sides in Syria to turn the page and work towards peace. We further call on the new authorities in Syria to ensure at all times that the rights of women and girls are respected. We believe that for any society to prosper women need to have key roles in shaping the future, both in Government and in society overall because after all, gender equality benefits all.

Thank you.