Strategic Step to Enhance Social Aid Effectiveness: Workshop Launches in Damascus for Unified National Data Platform

In a strategic move to enhance the effectiveness of social assistance, a workshop organized by the National Committee for Social Protection in partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has commenced in Damascus. The initiative aims to design a unified national data platform that enables authorities to target support more accurately to the most needy groups. The project seeks to digitize social data collection and analysis processes and improve public spending efficiency amid increasing economic challenges.

Developing an Integrated Data Platform to Support Decision-Making

Unifying Social Data Sources

The Syrian government is seeking to integrate existing databases from the ministries of labor, social affairs, health, and education to create a centralized system that provides an accurate and comprehensive picture of affected families’ situations. The platform is expected to include information on income, employment, health, and education, while ensuring data privacy in accordance with international standards.

Enhancing Transparency and Accountability

The new platform will enable relevant authorities to track aid distribution and measure its impact on the ground, reducing waste and corruption. It will also allow for periodic assessment of program effectiveness and identification of coverage gaps, particularly in remote or conflict-affected areas.

International Partnerships to Support Digital Transformation

Role of the World Food Programme

The World Food Programme (WFP) is providing technical support to build the digital infrastructure, including developing data analysis systems and training local cadres. The programme also contributes to adopting successful global practices from other countries that have digitized their social protection.

UNICEF’s Involvement in Child Protection

UNICEF is focusing on ensuring that the platform includes data on children and women to guarantee targeting the most vulnerable groups. Its initiatives involve integrating indicators related to education, nutrition, and protection from violence to ensure no group is marginalized in the planning process.

Practical Steps Towards Implementation

Preparing the Legal and Regulatory Framework

The National Committee, in cooperation with relevant parties, is conducting a comprehensive review of current legislation with the aim of establishing laws that ensure responsible data use and obligate entities to participate in secure and legal information exchange.

Training National Cadres

The workshop plans a series of training workshops to build the capacities of government employees in data analysis, using digital tools, and managing smart systems, ensuring the project’s long-term sustainability.

Gradual Expansion and Field Testing

The platform is scheduled to start as a pilot trial in three provinces with diverse social conditions before national expansion. Performance will be evaluated during this phase, with adjustments made based on field and technical feedback.