Aim: Based on the success of the first CCS project, its second edition was implemented in Syria under the title; “From Local to Regional: Community Cohesion as a Driver of Sustainable Development (CCS II)”. It aimed to foster social cohesion in Syria by strengthening local governance, Civil Society networks, and inter regional collaboration. The project sought to reduce social fragmentation and enhance community engagement in governance, while focusing on marginalized and displaced populations.
Results: A direct result of activities done under CCS-II, was the creation of community-led local hubs. Their primary goal was to facilitate community engagement, knowledge exchange, and participatory decision-making. Strengthened partnerships enabled cross-regional initiatives and joint advocacy efforts. One of the core outcomes of this project was the inclusion and engagement of marginalized groups in the activities. This allowed for a legitimization of their views and voices which were incorporated in the policy dialogues that we helped support. Seeing the positive imprint of such inclusive initiatives, local leaders that were participants in this project, exhibited enhanced desire and proactivity in fostering social cohesion
