US$5 million agreement will rehabilitate bread production units and ensure sustainable operation

Press Release Brussels, 19 May 2025 – Today, on the sidelines of the European Humanitarian Forum, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) signed a US$5 million agreement to enhance food security, fostering economic recovery, and strengthening resilience of local communities in Syria by rehabilitating 33 bread production units in eight of Syria’s fourteen governorates. 

Today, over 12.4 million people, or more than 60% of the population, face food insecurity in Syria after fourteen years of conflict. The damage sustained to government-run bakeries during the crisis has severely disrupted bread production, exacerbating food insecurity in vulnerable communities. The lack of resources for infrastructure repair has further delayed recovery, making the rehabilitation of these bakeries an essential step toward stabilising the food supply and supporting economic recovery. 

“The crisis in Syria has had profound negative impacts on every aspect of people’s lives,” said UNDP Administrator, Achim Steiner. “In this context, ensuring sustainable production of bread, a staple for all Syrians is an important first step towards helping the country build back its capacity to strengthen food security. We look forward to widening our collaboration with KSRelief to support recovery in Syria.”

The agreement reflects UNDP and KSrelief’s continued commitment to sustainable recovery and reconstruction efforts in Syria after the fourteen-year crisis, which have undone nearly four decades of economic and development progress.

“This partnership with UNDP represents a coordinated, multi-sectoral response to Syria’s escalating food insecurity, ensuring access to staple foods and supporting the restoration of critical local infrastructure essential for food system recovery,” said Dr Abdullah Al Rabeeah, Supervisor General of KSrelief.

The project will restore bread production infrastructure through civil works and installing new and modern production lines, ensuring efficient and sustainable operations. The contribution from KSrelief targets areas with high concentrations of internally displaced persons, returnees, and vulnerable populations, directly benefiting approximately 1.4 million people in Rural Damascus, Dar’a, As-Sweida, Lattakia, Homs, Hama, Deir-ez-Zor and Aleppo governorates. By rehabilitating the 33 bakeries, the project will increase bread production capacity from 265 tons to 473 tons per day. This will help ensure an adequate supply to meet the needs of local communities. Introducing 13 modern production lines will also result in improved bread quality, meeting higher standards of consistency, hygiene, and nutritional value. 

Expected to be completed within 14 months, the project will create job opportunities, support local livelihoods, and provide a foundation for sustainable socio-economic recovery in the affected areas. It will also ensure that a workforce of 350 well-trained bakers can effectively operate and maintain the new equipment. During the rehabilitation process, bread production will be maintained by increasing the capacity of nearby bakeries to supply areas with bread, ensuring that there are no disruptions in production.

---

Media contacts: 

• Noeman AlSayyad | Strategic Communication Advisor | Regional Bureau for Arab States | [email protected]
• Dania Darwish | Communications Specialist | Syria Country Office | [email protected]

Source : UNDP

Stay ahead in the world of AI, business, and technology by visiting Impact Newswire for the latest news and insights that drive global change.