AFS Steering Board reformed with majority Syrian representation

The newly established Steering Board convened its first meeting on 25 September in Damascus. The Board’s composition features six national civil society organisations, four donor representatives, and one international NGO serving as an observer. Of the Syrian organisations, four seats are held by national NGOs with countrywide coverage, while two seats are allocated to local NGOs and community-based / women-led organisations. The Board also achieves gender parity, with women making up half of its members.

This marks the completion of AFS’s governance reform and a milestone in its commitment to localisation, as Syrian civil society organisations now hold the majority of seats and a leading role in strategic decision-making. These reforms were shaped by the AFS Localisation Working Group, which brings together 22 representatives of international, national, and local NGOs, CBOs, think tanks, and coordination platforms. The group continues to advise on strengthening the localisation agenda and ensuring meaningful Syrian civil society participation in strategic decisions.