‘Our goal is to generate 25,000 new jobs in the technology sector over the next five years and to help Syria build a sustainable tech ecosystem,’ says one of the organizers.
A group of Syrian IT engineers in the US gathered Friday with students and industry professionals at a technology conference in Damascus.
Organized under the leadership of Syrian engineers working in Silicon Valley, the event aims to connect young talent with international companies, create new job opportunities and share the latest developments in the IT sector.
Participants highlighted the importance of knowledge transfer between Syrian engineers abroad and those in Syria, emphasizing the role of the IT industry in strengthening the country’s economy.
Bridging Silicon Valley, Syria
Iyad Yaqoob, one of the organizers, described the conference as the first major technology gathering in Syria since the fall of the Baath regime. Speaking to Anadolu, he explained the event’s significance:
"Technologists, entrepreneurs, and students in Syria will now have direct access to the latest technological advancements through collaboration with their Syrian counterparts from around the world. Academics, business owners, investors, and students will have the opportunity to come together, share knowledge, and explore new possibilities,” said Yaqoob.
Yaqoob emphasized that Syrian professionals in Silicon Valley feel a responsibility to contribute to their home country. One of the key objectives, he said, was to exchange insights on technological progress, challenges, opportunities and potential collaborations.
“Our goal is to generate 25,000 new jobs in the technology sector over the next five years and to help Syria build a sustainable tech ecosystem,” said Yaqoob.
Reflecting on his journey, he added: “I left Syria 15 years ago, but I believe the best thing we can do is listen to each other, share knowledge, and move forward together. Syrians should now take greater responsibility for their country's future.”
Creating 25,000 tech jobs in five years
Navar Shara, head of the artificial intelligence department at a US-based company, reaffirmed the initiative’s ambitious goal.
"We came from the US specifically for this conference. As a team of academics, researchers, and industry experts, we are committed to creating 25,000 job opportunities over the next five years by working closely with students, universities, and local leaders in Syria,” said Shara.
He noted that companies specializing in informatics and data science will play a crucial role in mentoring students and guiding them toward technology-driven projects. The conference, he added, is designed to foster collaboration between students and academic institutions, helping them gain practical experience before graduation.
Strengthening Syria’s technology ecosystem
Rama Shakaki, another member of the US team, participated in the conference as a volunteer and advocate for strengthening Syria’s technology sector.
“Our goal is to build a sustainable future for the tech industry by bringing together entrepreneurs and investors while supporting young people in artificial intelligence, information systems, and engineering,” Shakaki explained.
She emphasized that the conference aims to connect IT companies with Syrian students, creating pathways for innovation and long-term growth in the country’s technology sector.
The explosion at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Saturday afternoon killed at least 12 people and injured a further 309, according t...
Indian police detained more than 2,000 protesters in Delhi on Saturday as authorities blocked a planned demonstration calling for the resignation o...
At least 12 people, including three children, have been killed in a Russian attack on the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia, a day after U.S. Presiden...
Leaders of countries from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) have agreed to hold coordinated population censuses around 2030. They took the decision at the CIS Council of Heads of State meeting in Awaza, Turkmenistan on Friday, media reported.
The explosion at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Saturday afternoon killed at least 12 people and injured a further 309, according to Saudi Arabia’s Civil Aviation Authority. The airport remains closed until further notice.
Britain and Israel have reached a temporary compromise over the future of the British Consulate General in East Jerusalem, easing a diplomatic dispute that had threatened to further strain relations between the two countries.
South African judge Navanethem “Navi” Pillay won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday “for her efforts to promote peace and international law,” the Norwegian Nobel Committee said.
The U.S. has imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday (9 October) escalating tensions with European allies and potentially targeting companies that provide services to the tribunal. The move came hours after former ICC judge Navi Pillay won the Nobel Peace Prize.
The explosion at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Saturday afternoon killed at least 12 people and injured a further 309, according to Saudi Arabia’s Civil Aviation Authority. The airport remains closed until further notice.
Turkic states are assessing the feasibility of passport-free travel between countries using national ID cards, Kürşad Zorlu, the Deputy Chairman of Türkiye’s ruling AK Party said on Saturday.
European Union measures suspending import duties on 80 per cent of Armenian exports to the bloc came into effect on Saturday. The temporary liberalisation measures are aimed at supporting Armenian producers and exporters following trade restrictions imposed on the country's products by Russia.
Georgia is enjoying one of its biggest and highest-quality grape harvests since independence. By 6 October, growers in the country's main wine-producing region, Kakheti, had delivered 182,210 tonnes of grapes, with 99 per cent rated medium or high quality, despite recent protests over prices.
Uzbekistan has unveiled plans to deepen economic ties with Central Asia and Azerbaijan, proposing shared artificial intelligence infrastructure, a critical minerals alliance and a regional trade strategy extending to 2035.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment