Leadership in Moments of Transformation: Reflections from Syria
There are moments in history that feel like a rupture in time—a point where the past and the future stand on either side of an uncertain present. #Syria is living one of those moments. As someone who has worked across nearly every region of this remarkable country, who calls it home, and who has also been shaped by crises and transitions from Afghanistan to Iraq, Nigeria to South Sudan, I find myself reflecting deeply on what leadership means during times of profound transformation.
Leadership in moments like these is not about control or certainty—it is about vision, humility, and an unwavering commitment to the people at the heart of change.
The Weight of the Present
In the days since Syria’s historic turning point, I have witnessed an extraordinary spectrum of emotions: hope, fear, determination, and uncertainty. Conversations have unfolded with colleagues, friends, and communities, asking questions that hold the weight of generations: How do we rebuild? Who will lead us? What does justice look like? These questions are not unique to Syria; they echo through every country and community I have had the privilege to serve during times of crisis.
From the mountains of Afghanistan to the cities of Iraq, the floodplains of South Sudan, and the displacement camps in Bangladesh, I have seen how communities rise—not because they are told what to do, but because they are empowered to lead. In each of these places, leadership has not come from those with the loudest voices or the most resources; it has come from those who are rooted in their communities, who understand the nuances of their people’s struggles and dreams, and who carry the resilience to push forward despite unimaginable odds.
Leadership Rooted in Community
For Syria, as for many other places, the future lies in localization. Leadership cannot be imposed from above; it must rise from within. As humanitarians, international actors, and INGOs, our role is not to take the reins but to provide the tools, trust, and space for communities to lead their own recovery. This lesson has been reinforced time and again in my career: in the crowded refugee camps of Lebanon, where grassroots leaders organized education for displaced children; in Nigeria, where local women’s groups took the lead in rebuilding livelihoods after conflict; and in Kenya, where communities developed innovative ways to respond to drought and food insecurity.
Localization is not just a strategy; it is a principle. It recognizes that the most sustainable solutions come from those who live the reality every day. The Syrian people—whether in Aleppo, Damascus, Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa, Homs, Hama, Idlib, Latakia, Tartus, Daraa, Sweida, Quneitra, or Hasakah—carry the strength, creativity, and determination to rebuild. Our task as leaders, as humanitarians, and as allies is to support that strength without overshadowing it.
Global Lessons for Local Challenges
Leadership in transformation is a delicate balance. It requires listening as much as speaking, following as much as leading. In Afghanistan, I saw how decades of international engagement often missed the mark by failing to center local voices. In Iraq, I witnessed local organizations being the first to enter Mosul, courageously stepping into areas others hesitated to reach. In South Sudan, I observed the power of partnership when local organizations were given the resources and trust to lead peacebuilding efforts. In Bangladesh, during the Rohingya emergency, the swift mobilization of local responders made the difference between chaos and coordinated action. In Nigeria, local NGOs and leaders operated in hard-to-reach areas, providing critical support under challenging conditions. And in the aftermath of the Beirut explosion, local volunteers were the first at the site, offering aid and comfort to those in need, just as local actors crossing borders from Türkiye played a vital role in responding to Syria’s needs during critical moments.
These experiences have shaped my understanding of leadership as a shared endeavor—a partnership that transcends borders, sectors, and egos. They remind me that no matter how complex or daunting the challenge, solutions are strongest when they are co-created by those who live, breathe, and endure the reality of the crisis.
The Call for Inclusive Leadership
Syria’s turning point is not just a moment for reflection; it is a call to action. As Syrians, we must come together across divides of geography, faith, and dialect to forge a future that honors the sacrifices of the past. As international actors, we must recognize that our most valuable contribution is not in directing the path forward but in supporting it with humility and respect.
True leadership in transformation is about inclusion—bringing every voice to the table, especially those that have been historically marginalized. It is about resilience—not just enduring hardship but building systems that can thrive in the face of future challenges. And it is about hope—not blind optimism, but a grounded belief in the possibility of change, driven by the strength of communities.
A Future Worth Leading Toward
As I reflect on the lessons of my career—from the deserts of Iraq to the streets of Syria, from the refugee camps in Lebanon to the rebuilding efforts in South Sudan, from navigating humanitarian challenges in Jordan to witnessing resilience in Afghanistan and Nigeria, and even sitting at global platforms shaping policies that impact millions—one truth stands out: Leadership is not about us. It is about them—the people who rebuild homes, reunite families, and imagine futures beyond conflict. It is about creating conditions where they can succeed, where their voices are heard, and where their visions become reality.
For Syria, this is a historic moment—a chance to reimagine leadership and reshape the future. It is a moment for all of us to ask: What kind of leadership does this moment demand? What role will we play in supporting it? And how can we ensure that the future we build is one rooted in dignity, justice, and lasting peace?
Syria’s story is still being written. As leaders, we have a responsibility to ensure that its next chapters reflect the strength, resilience, and hope of its people. That is the essence of leadership in moments of transformation.
Ali Al Mokdad
Cover Photo Note: The cover photo captures a deeply personal moment from my last days in Syria over a decade ago, standing before a destroyed school wall with the words ‘من الدمار سنبني’ (‘From the destruction, we will rebuild’) written on it. This image reflects both the devastation and the hope that has always defined Syria for me.
