Saudi Arabia supports food security in Syria with a project to renovate 33 bakeries.

In a strategic step aimed at enhancing food security and stimulating economic recovery in Syria, the United Nations Development Programme signed a partnership agreement with the King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Aid worth $5 million, targeting the rehabilitation of 33 bread production units distributed across eight Syrian governorates. The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the European Humanitarian Forum, where Achim Steiner, Director of the United Nations Development Programme, emphasized that "bread represents the staple food for the majority of Syrians, and ensuring its sustainable production is a vital first step towards restoring food security in the country." He added, "We look forward to expanding our partnership with the King Salman Center for Relief to support recovery efforts in Syria, especially after a war that lasted for over 14 years." Steiner explained that this initiative reflects a shared commitment between the two parties to support efforts for reconstruction and sustainable development, especially in communities affected by the long conflict. Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, General Supervisor of the Center, confirmed that this partnership represents a coordinated response to the worsening food insecurity, contributing to ensuring the availability of essential food items and revitalizing the vital infrastructure linked to the local food system. According to the program, the project will involve advanced civil works and the installation of 13 new production lines inside the bakeries, increasing the daily production capacity from 265 to 473 tons of bread, a growth exceeding 78%. These lines will also improve the quality of bread in terms of consistency, cleanliness, and nutritional value. The project will extend to areas with high concentrations of internally displaced persons, returnees, and the most vulnerable populations, directly targeting around 1.4 million people in the countryside of Damascus, Daraa, Suwayda, Latakia, Homs, Hama, Deir ez-Zor, and Aleppo. The project is expected to be completed within 14 months, providing job opportunities for 350 bakers who will be professionally trained to operate and maintain the new equipment. During the rehabilitation period, any bread production shortages will be compensated by supporting neighboring bakeries to ensure uninterrupted supplies. This project represents a pivotal step towards restoring local livelihoods and building a solid foundation for social and economic recovery in Syria, strengthening the resilience of local communities to face future challenges.