Prime Minister Xavier Bettel and Minister for Cooperation and Humanitarian Action, Romain Schneider, were in London on Thursday 4 February to represent Luxembourg at the fourth 'Supporting Syria and the Region' conference.

80 heads of state or government came together under the aegis of the conference to firstly meet the humanitarian contributions necessary in addressing the needs of Syria and its neighbouring countries, as well as to make medium-term commitments on resilience and development. Particular attention was given in this respect to the areas of employment and economic opportunities and education.

"Education is a key sector capable of creating links between development and humanitarian programmes, whilst giving youth the means to act as a vector in their communities," stated Xavier Bettel at the 'Education' themed session of the conference. "Children's right to education is a guarantee of a better future. It is for this reason that some of Luxembourg's commitments for 2016 and beyond are focused specifically on education in Syria and in neighbouring countries."

The Luxembourg Prime Minister continued by promising that the Grand Duchy would be pledging €5 million in humanitarian aid in 2016, with an additional €2.5 million provided for development assistance projects.

"This contribution, which we have increased fivefold compared to previous years, will be primarily intended for education," declared Bettel.

Luxembourg has announced its commitment to maintaining its €7.5 million contribution to helping the victims of the Syrian crisis at this level, which would result in commitments of €37.5 million over 5 years.

"I remain convinced that only a political solution can end the suffering of the Syrian population," continued the Prime Minister. "Therefore, we renew our call to the parties involved in the Syrian conflict to ensure safe access for humanitarian organisations across the country."

 

Photo by ME (L-R: Justine Greening, UK Minister of International Developemt ; n.c. ; Xavier Bettel, Prime Minister of Luxembourg)