Syria 2050

At a pivotal moment in Syria’s history, we invite you to participate in a high-level scientific workshop that combines strategic planning, sustainable infrastructure, and AI support in these fields, to shape a more resilient and adaptive future.
This workshop provides a dialogue and interactive platform that brings together decision-makers, academics, practitioners, and a new generation of researchers and students to work together to develop practical visions and innovative solutions that support reconstruction efforts and achieve long-term development.
Your participation in this event is not merely a presence; it is a direct contribution to formulating a roadmap for sustainable national recovery and laying the foundations for strategic projects capable of facing challenges and building a brighter future.

Among the key questions that will be discussed in this workshop are:
• Why should Syria adopt a strategic vision supported by scenario planning for the short-term (2030s), medium-term (2040s), and long-term (2050s) to guide national recovery and development efforts?
• What are the challenges hindering the achievement of spatial justice in Syria, and how can a balance between rural and urban areas be achieved?
• How can we achieve strategic integration between green infrastructure, water resources, and active mobility?
• Is the reconstruction of Syria an opportunity to stimulate and grow the economy for a better future?
• How can design and implementation be developed sustainably to utilize local resources and implement the circular economy?
• How can we develop infrastructure based on innovative practical principles as a primary goal to serve the country’s sustainability?
• Do we need to regulate work methods, contracts, and financing for future investment projects?
• How can we use technology, artificial intelligence, and information systems modeling to support reconstruction and a resilient and sustainable future?

Workshop Activities:
• Presentations and scientific lectures
• Meetings with a number of decision-makers and experts
• Group and interactive discussion sessions

Sep. 16
Sep. 17

Morning Session – Open to All

Topic: Setting the Scene – Vision and Scenario Planning: Why Do We Care?

09:00–09:30

Welcome and Introduction

  • A word from the representative of the Ministry of Culture
  • A word from the representative of the Engineers Syndicate
  • A word from the partners and shareholders
09:30–11:00

Keynote Address

  • Title: Setting the Scene for Scenario Visioning and Planning and Regional Planning for Post-War Syria: Opportunities and Challenges?

  • Speaker: Professor Hussam Al-Waer, University of Dundee (UK)

11:00–11:30

Break

11:30–12:30

Panel Discussion and Reflections

  • Participants: Five distinguished guests
  • Moderator: Eng. Luna Rajab, Assistant Minister of Culture for Heritage and Antiquities Affairs
12:30–13:30

Networking + Lunch

Evening Session – Open to All

Building Back a Better Syria: Building a Strategic, Sustainable Recovery and Inclusive Development

13:30–15:00

Thematic Interventions (30 min. each)

  • Strategic Rehabilitation and Restoration of Historic Cities in Post-War Contexts
    Speaker: Ms. Luna Rajab, Ministry of Culture, Syria
  • Strategic Infrastructure and Transport
    Speaker: Dr. Bashar Hakim, AECOM, United Kingdom
  • Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment
    Speaker: Dr. Youssef Moslemani, Austria
15:00–15:30

Networking + Break

15:30–16:30

Discussion Session

  • Participants: Five distinguished guests
  • Moderator: Dr. Mohamed Tammo, University of Wolverhampton, UK
16:30–17:00

What did we learn today?

Professor Hussam Al-Waer + Eng. Fouad Al-Mahmoud

Morning Session – Open to All

09:00–09:15

Welcome and Introduction

09:15–11:00

Thematic Talks (30 minutes each)

  • Rebuilding Syria: Sustainability as a Key Driver
    Speaker: Dr. Mohammed Tammo, University of Wolverhampton, UK
  • Strategic Integration of Green Infrastructure, Water Resources, and Active Mobility
    Speaker: Professor Hussam Al-Waer, University of Dundee, UK
  • Innovations in Infrastructure Design and Implementation
    Speaker: Eng. Fouad Al-Mahmoud, AW Groep, Circulair West, Netherlands
  • Sustainability, Circular Economy, and Material Recycling to Achieve Net Zero Carbon Emissions
    Speaker: Dr. Omar Hamza, University of Derby, UK
11:15–11:30

Break + Networking

11:30–12:30

Discussion and Reflection Session

  • Participants: Five distinguished guests
  • Moderator: Dr. Rami Shehadeh
    EACON CONSTRUCTION, Qatar
121:30–13:30

Networking + Lunch

Afternoon Workshop Sessions

13:30–14:30

Thematic Talks (30 minutes each)

  • Evaluating Implementation Proposals: From Evaluation to Implementation — Strategies for Preventing Project Conflicts
    Speaker: Dr. Rami Shehadeh, EACON CONSTRUCTION, Qatar
  • The Importance of Artificial Intelligence in Strategic Planning in Infrastructure
    Speaker: Eng. Abdul Hakim Mohsen Mawas, University of Derby, United Kingdom
14:30–15:30

Discussion and Reflection Session

  • Participants: Five distinguished guests
  • Moderator: Dr. Bashar Hakim
    AECOM, United Kingdom
15:30–15:45

Break + Networking

15:45–16:15

Listening to Local Voices and the Role of Local Communities

10 minutes per speaker

  • Ms. Lana Al-Barghli, representing the Architectural Thought Center
  • Ms. Alaa Al-Nouri, representing the Buna Development Foundation
  • Ms. Nour Al-Khayat, representing Urban Beyond
16:15–16:45

Discussion and Reflection Session

  • Participants: Three distinguished guests

  • Moderator: Eng. Abdul Hakim Mohsen Mawas, University of Derby, United Kingdom

16:45–17:00

Conference Outcomes

Professor Hussam Al-Waer + Eng. Fouad Al-Mahmoud