Early signs from the preparatory committee for Syria’s National Dialogue Conference have raised significant concerns regarding its composition, inclusivity and objectives. While the conference presents a valuable opportunity to gather Syrians’ perspectives on the political transition and foster national dialogue, initial meetings by the committee have cast considerable doubt on the process’ potential for meaningful outcomes. The committee’s composition and early discussions suggest that the process is likely to fall short—an outcome that would be highly detrimental, particularly given the urgent need for a substantive political dialogue to foster unity during this critical transition. So far, the committee does not meet sufficient standards in terms of diversity and representation, with significant ambiguity also surrounding its process. Given Syria’s long history of authoritarian rule, a superficial process will not be enough to address the profound political and social challenges facing the country. Without substantive and meaningful engagement, the process risks becoming a hollow exercise that fails to pave the way for a sustainable transitional framework.
Under-representation & organization
The preparatory committee, announced on 12th February, lacks sufficient representation of women and minorities. It includes only two women, while the remaining five members are men, all of whom have ideological or political ties to Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). In addition, six out of seven members are Sunni Muslims; the remaining one is Christian. Significantly, there is also no Alawite representation, a key minority group whose buy-in to the transitional process is necessary to lower the possibility of sectarian divisions and violence in the future. Finally, there are no Kurdish representatives present on the committee. A critical political constituency, Syria’s Kurds also control vital regions in the north-east, home to vast oil resources, agricultural production and essential water reserves that are key to the country’s economy. As such, the exclusion of Syria’s Kurds from the National Dialogue Conference would be detrimental to the country’s political and economic future.
Beyond its composition, the committee’s organization and process is of concern. Three months after assuming interim control of the country, caretaker authorities have not yet laid out a clear and transparent roadmap for the process. The public dialogue sessions that began in mid-February offer only two hours of open discussion to address seven complex subjects, including transitional justice, rebuilding institutions and drafting a new constitution. These issues require sufficient time for discussion and debate, and between a more representative panel of Syrians. The optics and layout of these meetings, wherein participants are sitting lecture-style on stages, reinforces the image of a top-down approach to shaping Syria’s political future. None of the members are seen taking notes during these sessions and discussion findings have not been shared with participants. The lack of documentation and transparency so far raises concerns about whether all participants’ views are genuinely taken into consideration.
Recommendations
To ensure that the preparatory committee is inclusive, transparent and productive, ETANA recommends that organizers increase transparency and inclusivity, revise the meeting format and reassess its currently stated objectives. Committee members should represent a broad and representative cross-section of Syria’s diverse society—including women, Kurds and minorities. In addition, appointing more committee members who do not hold strong affiliations to particular ideological or militant groups would strengthen the body’s neutrality and legitimacy. Once accomplished, clear procedural guidelines and mechanisms should be established and shared with stakeholders to facilitate a transparent process before and during the committee’s work.
The format of meetings themselves could also be improved: instead of top-down, lecture-style discussions, moderators should encourage direct interaction and horizontal participation to ensure all voices are heard and meaningfully considered. Finally, sufficient time should be allocated for all key issues.
In its current form and initial processes, the preparatory committee for the National Dialogue Conference not only lacks credibility but also risks squandering a crucial opportunity for Syria’s future. Without course correction, this process may become nothing more than a superficial gesture to satisfy international observers, rather than a platform for meaningful change by and for the Syrian people.
