Financial Inclusion and Sustainable Development in Syria

This article is a research paper that investigates the relationship between financial inclusion and sustainable development in Syria, particularly in the context of the ongoing post-conflict recovery. It aims to explore how financial inclusion can be leveraged to achieve specific sustainable development goals (SDGs), including decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9), and reduced inequalities (SDG 10). The authors conduct a situational analysis to assess the current state of financial inclusion in Syria, which has been severely impacted by a prolonged conflict. The findings indicate a modest level of financial inclusion, as evidenced by limited access to financial institutions, despite an increase in electronic payment transactions. The paper proposes a national framework to enhance financial inclusion efforts and emphasizes the importance of digital financial solutions, financial literacy, and regulatory measures to support the achievement of the SDGs. It also highlights the need for a comprehensive strategy to integrate financial inclusion into the broader reconstruction efforts in Syria.