Damascus | Steps Syria for Community Development Foundation
In February 2025, the Steps Syria for Community Development Foundation in Damascus hosted an intensive, two-day, 12-hour training titled “Understanding Conflict.” The program brought together 11 participants from Damascus and its surrounding areas, including activists, dignitaries, and businesspeople, representing diverse religious affiliations and professional backgrounds.
The training, led by peacebuilding expert Abdul Fattah Sheikh Omar, aimed to equip participants with tools for conflict analysis and transformation. The goal was to turn conflicts into opportunities for dialogue and peaceful coexistence, as part of broader efforts to foster civil peace after Syria’s liberation. Key topics covered included defining conflict, analysis tools (such as the conflict tree and conflict map), management strategies (like mediation, negotiation, and community dialogue), and developing trust-building initiatives.
A significant portion of the training also focused on analyzing the impact of the former Syrian regime’s repressive policies and their role in fueling divisions. The session emphasized the importance of moving beyond sectarian rhetoric through practical initiatives. Participants left the training with concrete proposals to enhance coexistence.
The trainer highlighted the importance of open discussion in breaking down barriers of fear. This training marks a crucial step toward empowering the local community to manage conflicts and build lasting peace in Syria.
