Final Statement of 5th Syrian Forum

The activities of the Fifth Syrian Forum, held under the slogan “The Peace and Democratic Society Manifesto: A Guarantee for Building a Modern Syria,” concluded in the city of Hasakah with the participation of 120 political, social, and women’s figures and activists from various Syrian regions. The final statement was read by Suleiman Arab, Co-Chair of the Democratic Union Party (PYD).

The statement reads:

“At the invitation of the Democratic Union Party (PYD), the Fifth Syrian Forum convened in Hasakah under the slogan ‘The Peace and Democratic Society Manifesto: A Guarantee for Building a Modern Syria,’ with the participation of approximately 125 figures from various political parties, women’s organizations, independent personalities, and participants from all Syrian regions.

The forum began with a moment of silence honoring the souls of the Syrian martyrs who paved the way to freedom with their blood. Then, Mr. Gharib Hassu, Co-Chair of the PYD, delivered a speech emphasizing the historical sensitivity of the current phase Syria is experiencing, the necessity for all Syrians to unite their efforts and ranks to face challenges, and the need to build a free and democratic Syria inclusive of all its people. He also highlighted the importance of Leader Abdullah Ocalan’s Peace and Democratic Society initiative as a realistic path out of the current crisis.

The forum held two sessions filled with discussions covering four main themes:

The political situation in the Middle East and the ongoing expansion of war and intensification of conflicts aimed at redrawing the regional order and imposing competing foreign projects serving powerful actors’ interests. Participants confirmed that the Autonomous Administration project in Northeast Syria is a national initiative launched by the region’s people, which can be developed as it is based on genuine democratic principles and true participation of Syrian components.

The current Syrian situation after decades of oppression. Participants agreed that the past nine months have been marked by instability, and that the continued absence of serious national dialogue increases chaos. They saw the solution in a comprehensive dialogue involving all Syrians without exception, to establish a new Syria founded on freedom, justice, and democracy, free from centralized authority and exclusionary practices.

The importance of Leader Abdullah Ocalan’s “Peace and Democratic Society Manifesto” as a practical roadmap to solve the Kurdish issue and achieve peace for all peoples in the region. Participants stressed that this manifesto is an inclusive democratic project for all peoples, opening the door to pluralism, social justice, and guaranteeing an active role for women and youth in shaping the future.

Peace and Democratic Society as a model for the Syrian solution. Speakers confirmed that justice, equality, and acceptance of difference are the fundamental pillars of any successful political process. They affirmed that the democratic Autonomous Administration of Northeast Syria represents a practical nucleus that can be expanded and developed to form the basis for building a unified, decentralized, and democratic Syria.

Recommendations:

Commitment to the March 10 Agreement signed between the Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Head of the Interim Government.

Call for an inclusive national dialogue bringing together Syrians of all affiliations as a genuine path toward a just and lasting resolution to the crisis.

Call for convening a comprehensive national conference including all Syrian components and establishing a new social contract guaranteeing the rights of all Syrians.

Rejection of hate speech and sectarian strife among Syrian communities and the formulation of discourse that ends the war.

Mutual recognition and acceptance of all groups and components without exclusion, and the promotion of a culture of peace and coexistence.

Unification of ranks and building a democratic front that brings together women’s, national, and democratic movements.

Work toward achieving the physical freedom of Leader Ocalan.

Adherence to the principle of decentralization as a strategic choice to ensure the participation of all components in decision-making and protection of their rights.

Emphasis on the leading role of women in the era of peace and democratic society through their solidarity and cooperation.

Calling on the guarantor states (France, the United States, and the United Kingdom) to assume their responsibilities and support a comprehensive negotiation process including all Syrian parties.

Affirmation that the Peace and Democratic Society Manifesto is an intellectual and political reference for building a unified democratic Syria.

The forum concluded by emphasizing that the democratic project in Northeast Syria is not merely a local option but a hope for all Syrians seeking peace and democracy. Marginalizing this project is a deliberate postponement of the real solution and prolongs the Syrian tragedy.

The new Syria will be built by the will of its people, through their unity and joint struggle, and their firm belief that peace and democracy are the only path to the future.

ANHA