Bahar participated in the Halifax International Security Forum in Canada, one of the leading global platforms that brings together policymakers, experts, and organisations from around the world to discuss issues related to democracy. This year’s forum saw high-level participation, with Syrian representation from both Bahar and the Syrian Emergency Task Force.

Our contribution came through the session “Syria… One Chance, One Opportunity” delivered by Dr. Sharvan Ibesh. Drawing on our field experience and what we witness daily in our work inside Syria, we emphasised that Syrians from diverse backgrounds have long pursued democratic aspirations, and that this pursuit makes the presence of Syrian organisations in international discussions essential.

The forum also featured several sessions that closely reflected the realities we see in Syria: discussions on how democracies withstand pressure while safeguarding human dignity, the importance of protecting diversity and supporting those affected by conflict, and the central role of integrity and justice in building institutions that people can trust—principles that underpin our humanitarian work.