Syria Arises: Launched through a partnership between The Meridian Guild (TMG) and 17 Intentional Investment Institute (17 III), the initiative aims to Support Investment-Led Economic Renewal in Syria
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Washington, DC — July 21, 2026 — The Meridian Guild (TMG) and 17 Intentional Investment Institute (17 III) are pleased to announce the launch of Syria Arises, a strategic partnership aimed at mobilizing private capital and strengthening the investment ecosystem to support Syria's emerging economic transition.
As Syria enters a new chapter marked by evolving economic opportunities, long-term rebuilding efforts will require approaches that move beyond traditional aid models. With reconstruction needs estimated in the hundreds of billions of dollars, there is growing recognition that sustainable recovery will depend on attracting responsible private investment, strengthening local market systems, and building institutional capacity.
Syria represents a resident market of nearly 20 million people, part of a global total of over 26 million Syrian nationals worldwide. Throughout history, Syria has stood as a vital crossroads of global trade, defined by a rich heritage of commerce, resilience, and entrepreneurship. Today, the country is emerging as a vibrant hub of grassroots innovation. This initiative seeks to reflect the true, dynamic spirit of the Syrian people, fostering a community that honors their historical contributions to the global economy. Ultimately, our goal is to bridge Syria's digital, global diaspora with its physical, on-the-ground economic reality.
Through this partnership, TMG and 17 III will combine their complementary expertise in investment strategy, market development, and stakeholder engagement to help identify and support commercially viable investment opportunities across the region.
The collaboration will focus on three key strategic pillars:
Investment Facilitation: Supporting investors through robust market analysis, rigorous due diligence, and tailored investment structuring to identify high-potential opportunities.
Public-Private Engagement: Working alongside local institutions, business leaders, and international stakeholders to promote transparent, high-integrity investment partnerships.
Capacity Building: Strengthening local enterprises through financial upskilling, alignment with international compliance standards, and investment-readiness support to improve access to global capital markets.
"In 17 Intentional Investment Institute, ‘17’ references the UN’s 17th Sustainable Development Goal: strengthening global partnerships. Our approach in Syria will be rooted in building durable relationships with local leaders and international partners so that economic recovery reflects local needs, attracts responsible capital, and translates global institutional learning into long‑term, locally led prosperity," said John Morris, the Chairman of 17 Intentional Investment Institute.
By combining 17 III's deep experience in institutional consulting, private investments and frontier market analysis with TMG's proven expertise in market systems development and ecosystem building, the partnership aims to contribute to a more inclusive, resilient, and investment-driven approach to Syria's economic future.
"Long-term prosperity is built through strong institutions, functioning markets, and investment that creates shared value," said Clinton D. White, President of TMG. "Our partnership seeks to help unlock Syria's entrepreneurial potential by connecting local opportunity with global expertise and responsible capital."
As part of the launch of Syria Arises, a member of the partnership team is currently in Syria undertaking an in-country market assessment. The visit includes engagement with local business leaders, institutions, entrepreneurs, and other key stakeholders to identify commercially viable investment opportunities and strengthen local partnerships.
For additional information or to explore partnership opportunities, please contact:
Edward Gonzalez, Ph.D.
Country Engagement Manager, The Meridian Guild
edward.gonzalez@meridian-guild.com
Anas Attal
VP Investment & Research, Intentional Asset Management | 17 Intentional Investment Institute