"Hind Kabawat" ... A new face for Syria as the Minister of Social Affairs and Labor.

In a significant and important step, the head of the transitional stage, Ahmed Al-Shar'a, announced the appointment of the Syrian politician and researcher "Hind Kabawat" as the Minister of Social Affairs and Labor in the new Syrian government. This appointment comes at a crucial time, four months after the fall of the former President Bashar al-Assad's regime, reflecting the determination to build a new Syria that includes distinguished competencies from various backgrounds. Who is Hind Kabawat? Hind Kabawat, a Syrian of Christian descent, is one of the prominent political and academic figures in the Syrian scene. She holds a master's degree in law and diplomacy from the Fletcher School at Tufts University in the United States, and also holds a law degree from the Arab University in Beirut. Since 2013, Kabawat has held several prestigious academic positions, serving as an assistant professor and director of the Department of Interfaith Dialogue and Conflict Resolution at the Institute for Religion and Diplomacy affiliated with George Mason University in Virginia, USA. She also worked as a visiting professor in the Negotiation Department at Harvard Law School between 2017 and 2019. Prominent Political and Human Rights Contributions Since the outbreak of the Syrian revolution in 2011, Kabawat has been part of the Syrian opposition, playing a vital role in the political negotiation process. She held high positions in the High Negotiations Committee between 2015 and 2017, then as Deputy Head of the "Negotiations Office" in Geneva between 2017 and 2022. In February 2025, she was selected as a member of the preparatory committee for the Syrian National Dialogue Conference, which is held after the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024. Academic Work and Peacebuilding Kabawat is not only a brilliant politician but also an expert in conflict resolution and peacebuilding. She founded the "Syrian Center for Dialogue, Peace, and Reconciliation" in Toronto, leading multiple programs to enhance interfaith understanding. She has also served as a consultant in several international institutions, including the World Bank and the peacebuilding organization "Interpeace." Feminist and Community Activities In addition to her political and academic career, Kabawat significantly contributes to promoting women's roles in society. She heads the "Tastakol" organization focusing on women's affairs and peacebuilding, manages the Canadian Syrian Women's Association in Toronto, and actively participates in several Syrian economic organizations and councils. International Awards and Recognition Kabawat has received several international awards in recognition of her efforts in promoting peace and interfaith dialogue, including the "Practical Peacemaker Award" from the Tanenbaum Center in New York in 2007, and the "Public Diplomacy Award" from George Mason University in 2009. The New Phase in Syria This appointment in the transitional government marks the beginning of a new chapter in Syria's history, with the new government committed to leading the country towards rebuilding state institutions and achieving political and social stability. According to Syrian President Ahmed Al-Shar'a, this new government has a common goal: "Rebuilding Syria towards a brighter future."