Brussels V Conference 'Supporting the future of Syria and the region': Launch of side and cultural events

To mark 10 years since the start of the Syrian uprising and in the framework of the 5th Brussels Conference ‘Supporting the future of Syria and the region' (#SyriaConf2021, 29-30 March), EU Member States, partner countries, UN agencies and other international organisations will host online side events from 15 to 26 March. Those will cover themes such as COVID-19's impact, the resilience of Syrian independent media, the impact of the war on children and education, and accountability. Starting today and until 30 March, the EU is also hosting a series of cultural events not to be missed. An outdoor photo exhibition organised by the EU Regional Trust Fund in response to the Syrian Crisis together with ten municipalities of the Brussels region (Anderlecht, Forest, Ixelles, Saint-Gilles, Saint-Josse-ten-Noode, Schaerbeek, Uccle, Ville de Bruxelles, Watermael-Boitsfort, Woluwe-Saint-Pierre) will display portraits of women, men, boys and girls affected by the Syrian crisis, revealing the strength and resilience of exiled Syrians and those who welcome them in the countries neighbouring Syria. You can discover them already in the virtual exhibition Voices from Syria and the region and in various Brussels metro stations, on Place De Brouckère and elsewhere around town. In addition, a digital and physical campaign consisting of ten illustrations recalling how peaceful demands for change turned into a ten-year deadly conflict will be rolled out and displayed in several locations in the Brussels city centre and in the European Quarter. Finally, to highlight the diversity and the richness of Syrian culture, the EU, in cooperation with Lagrange Points Brussels, will organise four virtual concerts featuring a variety of Syrian musicians, Sufi whirling and poetry artists; an online introduction to Syrian cuisine; and a painting exhibition at Lagrange Points Brussels. All videos will be available online. More information on the Brussels V Conference here and on EU support to Syrians here. See also the EU Declaration on the 10 years of the conflict issued here. (For more information: Nabila Massrali – Tel.: +32 229 88093; Lauranne Devillé - Tel.: +32 229 80833; Zoï Muletier – Tel.: +32 229 94306; Daniel Puglisi – Tel.: +32 229 69140)