UNESCO resumes its activities in Syria by rehabilitating the National Museum in Damascus.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has confirmed the resumption of its activities in Syria after a 14-year hiatus, by launching an initial initiative targeting the National Museum in Damascus, one of the oldest cultural institutions in the Middle East, established in 1919, housing archaeological artifacts reflecting the richness and diversity of Syrian heritage. The initiative includes providing urgent support and emergency measures to enhance the museum's infrastructure, improve storage and security, prevent the deterioration of artifacts, as well as initiating the digitization of Syrian documentary heritage, in collaboration with the General Directorate of Antiquities and Museums and national partners. The museum had closed its doors in 2012, partially reopened in October 2018, and resumed full activities in January 2025. UNESCO's plan also involves developing educational materials for students, training museum staff in civic and cultural education. The project will continue for several months with an initial budget of $175,000, encompassing various activities such as emergency planning, restoration, inventory, museum education, and training workshops. At the end of last May, a UNESCO mission led by Margot Bergougnan Dars, Director of the Director-General's Office, visited Syria and met with relevant ministries to discuss possible support during the transitional phase. This step is part of a broader plan developed by UNESCO, in line with a unanimous decision adopted in April, aimed at enhancing the organization's involvement in the fields of culture, education, and media. UNESCO has reaffirmed its close cooperation with Syrian and international partners to ensure the success of the initiative and support sustainable recovery through investing in culture and heritage.