The Human Resources Management Foundation, under the auspices of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, organized a dialogue seminar entitled “Skills for Entering the Labor Market and Employment Policies for 2026” on December 23, 2025, at the Seven Gates Hotel (formerly the Sheraton) in Damascus.
The seminar witnessed broad participation from companies, organizations, and entities active in the labor market from the public, private, and non-profit sectors, as well as international organizations, representatives from chambers of commerce and industry, several unions, and universities.
The seminar was opened by Dr. Munir Abbas, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, who presented the 23 most important skills required for entering the job market in Syria, the region, and globally by 2026. He also presented the key recommendations of the World Economic Forum and the 2026 Arab Development Report, after which the floor was opened for discussion.
The discussions focused on the skills required in the private sector and the differences between these skills and those required in the public sector, as well as ways to align them with regional and international standards. The seminar also reviewed updated private and public sector labor laws, mechanisms for protecting national workers, addressing the gap between educational outcomes and labor market needs, and the entities responsible for bridging this gap. Furthermore, the seminar highlighted opportunities available to people with disabilities.
The seminar aimed to identify the most prominent skills and specializations required in the coming period, particularly in light of current economic changes and the anticipated opening of the Syrian market to Arab and foreign companies, and to identify the most in-demand specializations for employment.
The Human Resources Management Foundation emphasized the importance of directing training in Syria to contribute to developing the skills of youth, job seekers, and employees. It also stressed the necessity of establishing an effective employment policy that achieves tangible results on the ground and meets the needs of companies seeking to invest in Syria by providing them with qualified and competent national personnel. This will enhance sustainable economic development and reduce reliance on foreign talent.
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