Norway Commits Additional $2.3 Million in Humanitarian Support for Syria
By Kardo Roj
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Norway’s Minister of International Development, Åsmund Aukrust, announced Thursday that his country will provide an additional 20 million Norwegian kroner (approximately $2.3 million) to support ongoing humanitarian efforts in Syria, as part of a growing international push to stabilize critical sectors in the war-torn country.
The announcement came following Aukrust’s official visit to Damascus, during which he met with UN agencies and local humanitarian partners. The new contribution brings Norway’s total support to Syria in 2025 to nearly 400 million kroner (about $37 million), according to figures cited in a recent statement.
The newly pledged funds will be channeled through key UN bodies: 10 million kroner to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) to assist returning refugees; 7 million to the Syria Humanitarian Fund managed by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA); and 3 million kroner to the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), focusing on health and reproductive services.
“This support reflects Norway’s commitment to alleviating the immense suffering caused by more than a decade of conflict,” Aukrust said. According to OCHA, nearly 16 million Syrians remain in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, a number that includes internally displaced persons and vulnerable host communities across the country.
During his visit, the Norwegian minister surveyed areas heavily affected by the war and was briefed on the destruction of vital infrastructure, including health, water, and electricity systems. Observers note that areas such as northeast Syria, administered by the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), have seen relative stability and gradual infrastructure restoration thanks in part to locally led governance and international cooperation.
Norway’s aid package also includes a forward-looking energy initiative. A memorandum of understanding was signed between Norway and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to fund a national roadmap for renewable energy in Syria. The plan aims to guide the country’s recovery with sustainable energy solutions, particularly in rebuilding public services in regions that have demonstrated organizational resilience.
According to the UNDP, the roadmap will assess future energy needs and outline cost-effective, environmentally conscious strategies for power generation—a critical step in reviving economic activity and reducing dependence on external fuel sources.
Humanitarian officials have welcomed the contribution, underscoring the importance of sustained international engagement, especially as localized recovery efforts continue in areas where civil institutions have begun to function more independently.
The exact timeline for the implementation of the energy roadmap has not yet been disclosed, but planning is expected to commence immediately, with stakeholder consultations in both national and regional territories.