Syria joins inaugural UN Borrowers’ Platform meeting in Bangkok

Syrian Finance Minister Mohammad Yusr Barnia and Central Bank Governor Safwat Raslan participated in the inaugural governing council meeting of the United Nations-backed Borrowers’ Platform in Bangkok. The meeting, held on the sidelines of the 2026 IMF and World Bank Group annual meetings, resulted in a statement outlining the platform's upcoming operational priorities.

During the session, Minister Barnia emphasized the need for increased attention toward countries emerging from conflict and war. He argued that borrowing and financing should serve as catalysts for economic growth and recovery rather than increasing deficits and debt burdens. Syria expressed its readiness to coordinate with other member states and institutions to exchange expertise in public debt management.

The Borrowers’ Platform is an international initiative supported by UNCTAD, following recommendations from the Seville Conference on Development. It aims to foster cooperation among debtor nations, facilitate the exchange of experiences in managing public debt, and coordinate positions to strengthen the voice of borrowing countries within the international financial system.