The Devastating Impact of the Syrian Conflict on Economy and Society
The conflict in Syria, spanning nearly 14 years, has undone almost four decades of economic, social, and human progress, according to a new preliminary assessment by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The report warns that if the Syrian economy continues at its current growth rates, it will not recover its pre-conflict GDP levels until 2080. This article delves into the catastrophic effects of the war and the monumental challenges ahead for recovery.
A Shattered Economy
The UNDP report, titled “The Impact of the Conflict in Syria: A Devastated Economy, Widespread Poverty, and a Challenging Road to Social and Economic Recovery,” paints a grim picture. It estimates that nine out of every ten Syrians now live below the poverty line. Since the conflict began in 2011, Syria’s GDP has lost more than half its value, while unemployment rates have tripled. Today, one in four Syrians is jobless, exacerbating the economic crisis.
The prolonged war has also severely damaged public infrastructure, amplifying the conflict’s devastating effects. For the Syrian conflict economy to regain its footing and provide decent livelihoods, recovery efforts must achieve high and sustainable growth rates.
The Long Road to Recovery
At current growth rates, Syria’s economy will take over five decades to return to its pre-conflict GDP. To shorten this recovery period to just ten years, annual economic growth would need to increase sixfold. Even more ambitiously, reaching the economic potential Syria might have achieved without the war would require a tenfold surge in growth—a daunting task given the country’s current state.
Challenges Ahead
The report highlights multiple obstacles to recovery:
- Widespread Poverty: With 90% of the population impoverished, consumer spending and economic activity remain crippled.
- Infrastructure Collapse: Damaged roads, schools, and hospitals hinder progress and access to basic services.
- Unemployment Crisis: The tripling of unemployment rates has left millions without income or opportunities.
For Syria to rebuild, recovery efforts must prioritize sustainable development, job creation, and infrastructure restoration.
The Syrian conflict has left an indelible mark on the nation’s economy and society, reversing decades of progress in just 14 years. The UNDP’s findings underscore the urgent need for bold, sustained action to revive the Syrian conflict economy. Without significant intervention, millions will remain trapped in poverty, and the dream of a prosperous Syria will stay out of reach until the next century.
