“… showcase Canadian values, especially at the level of foreign policy and development.

 

Foundations, such as the Aga Khan’s, for example, could be stakeholders.”

 

– François LaRochelle, Canada’s former diplomat

 

By: François LaRochelle for Open Canada published on September 8, 2017  – Canada’s online hub for international affairs.

The case for accelerating the rebuilding of Aleppo

 

… The project of rebuilding Syria will be long and arduous …

But, to contribute to the efforts, the international community should concentrate on a flagship project that will attract attention and bring hope …

Why not start by reconstructing Aleppo, a multicultural and economic hub of Syria and a UNESCO site? Canada could encourage the creation of a coalition of countries for such an initiative. The EU of course, but also Turkey, relieved to see refugees on its soil return to their country, might be interested. And why not China? Rebuilding Aleppo would create work for the local population and stimulate the private sector.

We could use our current positive image and our vision of a multicultural future for societies to launching a global initiative for the reconstruction of Aleppo. It could showcase Canadian values, especially at the level of foreign policy and development. Foundations, such as the Aga Khan’s, for example, could be stakeholders. Such efforts may also help in Canada’s bid for a seat at the UN Security Council in 2020.

The Syrian communities in Canada and elsewhere would be thrilled, even if cautious. Such a project could result in a unique cooperation between Islamic and non-Islamic countries. And who knows, the former belligerents of yesterday could become the allies of tomorrow.

Discover, Explore & Learn more by reading the complete article at https://www.opencanada.org/features/case-accelerating-rebuilding-aleppo/

 

 

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Research, Insight & Perspective by A. Maherali

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Earlier & Related
Chevening Alumnus Ali Esmaiel Wins Award Centuries-old bazaar in Syria’s Aleppo making slow recovery Canada’s Diplomat makes the case for rebuilding Syria by accelerating development in Aleppo Deadly Struggle & Peace, New York Times on Aga Khan Museum’s acclaimed exhibition Syria: A Living History
Aga Khan Development Network’s Impact in Syria: In the rubble, Aleppo’s citizens work to save battered heritage | Reuters Syria’s Civil War: Aleppo’s heritage sites ‘in danger’ | Al Jazeera Aga Khan Museum’s: Aleppo – A City and Its Architecture “Aleppo: A History” with Ambassador Ross Burns | Asia Society The Citadel of Aleppo, restored by AKTC is UNESCO’s World Heritage Site The Guardian | History of cities in 50 buildings, day 2 – Citadel of Aleppo Amid Devastation of Aleppo, Syria, Archaeological Museum Fights to Preserve Heritage Syria appeals to protect Citadel of Aleppo from destruction World Monuments Fund: Missile attack damages Citadel of Aleppo’s massive gate