Heritage experts, international officials, and Syrian residents gathered in Switzerland for the first comprehensive conference on restoring the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra since the end of Bashar Al Assad's regime. Organized by UNESCO and the Aliph Foundation, the group recommended establishing an international expert task force to remove Palmyra from UNESCO's List of World Heritage in Danger. Rehabilitation efforts will focus on the Palmyra museum, restoration of artifacts at the Damascus Museum, and repair of the footbridge, with work expected to begin in January 2026.
The conference marks a renewed international commitment to Palmyra after years of damage and looting by ISIS, which destroyed major monuments including the Temple of Bel and the Arch of Triumph. The restoration is significant not only for preserving a UNESCO World Heritage site but also for revitalizing the local economy, as the ancient site and modern city once had a dynamic, economically beneficial relationship. The involvement of the local community and the push for an international task force highlight a coordinated approach to cultural recovery after Syria's civil war.