Aga Khan Foundation donates three excavators to Syria's Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management

Damascus, 20 July 2026 - As part of the strategic partnership between the Aga Khan Foundation (Syria) and the Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management, the Aga Khan Foundation (Syria) donated three excavators during a ceremony held today at the Ministry's headquarters in Damascus. The event was attended by Dr Ahmed Qazziz , Deputy Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management; Mr Ghadfan Ajjoub, Resident Representative of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in Syria; and Dr Muhannad Obeido, Executive Director of the Aga Khan Foundation (Syria).

The handover memorandum was signed on behalf of the Foundation by Dr Obeido, and on behalf of the Ministry by Dr Qazziz , in the presence of representatives from both sides. Under this memorandum, ownership of three tracked hydraulic excavators, equipped with an advanced fuel-efficiency system and electronic safety systems, will be transferred to the Ministry for use in humanitarian operations, civil defence, disaster management and civil rehabilitation.

This initiative builds on the implementation of the cooperation agreement signed by the two parties in October 2025, which established a practical framework for unifying efforts and strengthening national capacities in facing disasters and emergencies, in line with the priorities of the Syrian people and international standards.

In this context, Dr Qazziz emphasised the importance of continued cooperation and coordination between the Aga Khan Foundation and the Ministry, contributing to enhanced risk management capabilities and rapid emergency response, which positively reflects on the protection of communities and supports recovery efforts .

Mr Ajjoub stated: "This project falls within the framework of the Aga Khan Development Network's efforts in Syria to support government endeavours in developing joint strategies, plans and working methods that enable local communities to optimally prepare for and respond to emergencies and disasters in accordance with the highest standards."

Dr Obeido said: "The handover of these excavators represents a new step in the path of technical and operational cooperation between the Foundation's Emergency Management Programme and the Ministry, and reaffirms the Aga Khan Foundation's commitment to supporting government efforts aimed at enhancing preparedness and effective disaster response, particularly for earthquakes and floods - through the provision of equipment and resources that strengthen the capabilities of emergency and response teams."

This initiative comes within the commitment of AKDN , based on the directives of His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V , Chair of AKDN , toward the Syrian people, through the implementation of projects valued at over €100 million during 2026 and 2027.