As I prepare to conclude my time as the UK Special Representative for Syria, I look back on Syria’s transformative journey over the last few years and reflect.
I started this role in May 2023, a few months after the devastating earthquakes in north-west Syria and Türkiye. Syria was looked at by many around the world as a problem – a source of refugees, arms and drugs smuggling and terrorism. The situation was regularly described to me as stuck, frozen and dire.
Back then the UK had a policy of non-engagement with the Assad regime, born out of the horrific human rights violations and violence committed towards the people of Syria. But we worked where we could to support the Syrian people. We provided humanitarian and emergency assistance and worked with local communities on education and agriculture. We supported a wide range of civil society organisations, including women-led organisations and groups preserving evidence for future accountability.
We did so in the hope that a better chapter would come. To date, the Syria crisis remains our largest ever humanitarian response, with the UK providing over £4.8 billion in aid since 2011.
Then in December 2024, a series of events brought hope. I was at the Doha Forum in Qatar with many Syrian friends and colleagues watching as the regime collapsed and Assad fled.
The flags were unfurled and tears shed. They were tears of joy but also tears of remembrance for everything that had happened. Just days later, I travelled to Damascus for the first time since before the war. I saw the time capsule of Damascus (and our former Residence, where there was still a list of public holidays for 2012 on the wall). I felt the joy, but I also heard the questions about what next – about electricity provision , about jobs, about the political transition and about all the country's components in its rich and historic culture.
For the UK, support to Syria has always been about responding both to urgent needs and longer-term challenges. UK funding has helped vulnerable communities access food, healthcare, protection, shelter, water and other essential services. This support is not abstract; it has reached families facing displacement, poverty, insecurity and uncertainty.
But the UK has long been clear that Syria needs more than just this immediate relief. That is why we pioneered ‘early recovery’ and invested in programmes that support education to support future generations, community livelihoods and agricultural recovery to help families support themselves.
Since December 2024, we have picked up the pace of this work in partnership with new Ministries in Damascus. Throughout my time in this role, I have seen how UK support works through partnership. I have met teachers helping children return to learning, farmers reviving their lands, women leading community initiatives, and young Syrians pursuing education and opportunity.
I have seen Syrian Chevening Alumni return to Syria to play their role in what comes next. I have seen Syrians (including British Syrians) determined to do their bit to seize an opportunity they had not expected to get. And I am in awe of their determination, their energy and their grit.
It is clear to me that effective international support must be grounded in Syrian realities and informed by Syrian voices. Our efforts work best when they are practical, locally informed and focused on what communities themselves identify as priorities.
The UK’s role is not to define Syria’s future. That future belongs to Syrians. But the UK can and will remain a friend and reliable partner; helping meet urgent needs, supporting recovery, strengthening resilience, promoting accountability, and backing those working for an inclusive and stable Syria for all Syrians.
As I depart, I do so with deep respect for the Syrians I have met, and with confidence for the future. Whilst there will be many challenges ahead, your collective talent and determination are immense.
So I wish you good luck in the road towards a more peaceful and prosperous future for all. Ann Snow MBE was appointed UK Special Representative for Syria in succession to Jonathan Hargreaves. She took up her appointment in May 2023. Ms Snow joined the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in 2009. She has served in Malaysia and worked on Iran, China and Counter Terrorism. Before joining the FCDO, she worked for an international human rights organisation, the UK Parliament and as a Middle East analyst in the private sector. Have questions or comments? Email us at: editorial-english@newarab.com Opinions expressed in this article remain those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The New Arab, its editorial board or staff.