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In this critical period of transition for Syria, we remain committed to the belief that sustainable peace depends on centering the voices of those living and working closest to the conflict itself.

Real and lasting change requires collaboration across public, private and civil society sectors, and a recognition that economic systems, business leadership, and community wellbeing are deeply interconnected.

In its second chapter, Voices for Change turns its attention to a vital and often overlooked question: What role can the business sector play in building sustainable peace and inclusive transition?

The series of this chapter will explore the importance of the “third leg of the stool” — the private and corporate sector — alongside government and civil society, and the interdependence between all three. Together, these sectors have the power to shape more resilient economies, stronger communities, and lasting peace.

During this event, conversations will examine:

• The leadership skills peacebuilders bring to business
• Why peace and economic prosperity depend on one another
• What businesses can learn from peacebuilders’ networks and experience
• Embedding inclusion, dignity, and coexistence into business culture
• How companies can invest in jobs, youth skills, and community resilience
• Examples of businesses actively contributing to peacebuilding efforts

This conversation will challenge assumptions, build new partnerships, and explore how economic actors can become meaningful contributors to peace rather than passive observers of conflict.

Our Keynote Speakers:

Dr. Scilla Elworthy: Peacebuilder and Author

Scilla Elworthy is an internationally recognized peacebuilder, author, and founder of several pioneering initiatives dedicated to conflict transformation and sustainable peace. Triple nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for her work with the Oxford Research Group, which she founded in 1982, she has spent decades advancing dialogue, nonviolence, and practical approaches to building peace worldwide.

In 2003, she founded Peace Direct, an organization that supports and learns from local peacebuilders working in conflict-affected communities across the globe. She later founded The Business Plan for Peace, an initiative helping leaders and institutions prevent destructive conflict and build sustainable peace through practical action and collaboration.

A trusted adviser in the creation of The Elders alongside leaders including Desmond Tutu, Richard Branson, and Peter Gabriel, Elworthy has helped shape global conversations on leadership, peacebuilding, and social transformation. Her acclaimed book, The Business Plan for Peace, explores how business leaders can play a direct role in preventing violent conflict and building more peaceful societies. Her work has earned international recognition, including the Niwano Peace Prize, the Luxembourg Peace Prize, and the GOI Peace Award.

Thanaa Al Basha: Engineer and Business Executive

Thanaa Al Basha is a seasoned executive and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of leadership experience in the energy and construction sectors. Currently, she serves as the General Manager of SAND Holding and Hilti Syria, where she oversees diverse business operations, strategic partnerships, and the rehabilitation of war-damaged oil and gas facilities.

Throughout her career, Thanaa has held various roles in cost control and audit committees for global energy giants that invest in the energy sector in Syria, including Shell, Total, INA-Naftaplin, and MOL. Her expertise spans the entire project lifecycle—from managing complex EPC tenders and multidisciplinary teams to implementing cost-optimization strategies and ensuring rigorous regulatory compliance with the strictest global standards of quality and occupational health and safety. A Damascus University graduate, she has represented the Syrian Ministry of Oil at international forums like the 1st Wold Petroleum Council Youth Forum. Thanaa is recognized for her ability to address and navigate complex technical challenges within the oil and gas sector with high efficiency. She is recognized for her ability to drive sustainable growth and forge effective partnerships that blend technical expertise with a strategic, cross-border vision.”