Strengthening Social Cohesion Through PWD-Led Community Initiatives (Syria)

Deadline: 11-Mar-2026

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is inviting proposals from national and international NGOs to implement projects in Syria that empower persons with disabilities, particularly youth, to lead community-driven initiatives. The call falls under UNDP’s Socioeconomic Recovery and Social Development Programme and focuses on social protection, social inclusion, and social cohesion. Selected partners will implement projects that strengthen community resilience, enhance social capital, and promote inclusive participation.

Overview

The call is issued by the United Nations Development Programme under its Socioeconomic Recovery and Social Development Programme in Syria.

The initiative is part of the Social Development component and aims to address:

• Poverty and economic hardship

• Social fragmentation

• Marginalization of persons with disabilities

• Weak community cohesion

The programme promotes disability-inclusive development and positions persons with disabilities as active leaders in community transformation.

Programme Objectives

The initiative seeks to:

• Empower persons with disabilities to lead community-driven activities

• Strengthen inclusive social cohesion

• Enhance social capital within communities

• Promote sustainable, community-based development

• Reduce structural and social barriers

The focus is not only service delivery but leadership development and systemic inclusion.

Key Focus Areas

1. Social Protection

Projects should address urgent needs of vulnerable populations, especially persons with disabilities.

Examples include:

• Access to healthcare services

• Livelihood support and economic empowerment

• Community-based support mechanisms

• Targeted assistance to vulnerable households

Social protection in this context means structured support systems that reduce vulnerability and improve well-being.

2. Social Inclusion

Projects must create enabling environments by removing institutional, environmental, and social barriers.

This may involve:

• Improving accessibility

• Advocating inclusive policies

• Promoting equal participation

• Combating discrimination

Social inclusion refers to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of disability, can participate fully in community life.

3. Social Cohesion

Initiatives should strengthen social capital and promote inclusive engagement.

Priority is given to:

• Community dialogue led by youth with disabilities

• Participatory decision-making processes

• Collaborative community activities

• Trust-building initiatives

Social cohesion refers to the strength of relationships and trust among community members.

Who Is Eligible?

The call is open to:

• National Non-Governmental Organizations (NNGOs)

• International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs)

Eligible organizations must:

• Demonstrate experience in disability inclusion

• Show expertise in community development

• Have operational capacity in Syria

• Align with UNDP’s principles of inclusion and empowerment

Organizations must share the core belief that persons with disabilities are agents of change.

Target Beneficiaries

The primary beneficiaries are:

• Persons with disabilities

• Youth with disabilities

• Vulnerable groups affected by socioeconomic challenges

The programme emphasizes youth leadership and participatory community engagement.

Why This Programme Matters

Syria faces ongoing socioeconomic challenges and social fragmentation.

Persons with disabilities often face:

• Limited access to services

• Social exclusion

• Structural discrimination

• Economic marginalization

This programme matters because it:

• Promotes inclusive development

• Strengthens community resilience

• Enhances participation of marginalized groups

• Builds sustainable social support systems

• Reinforces social cohesion at the local level

By empowering persons with disabilities as leaders, the initiative transforms them from beneficiaries into drivers of social change.

Expected Outcomes

Projects should demonstrate:

• Increased leadership by youth with disabilities

• Improved access to social protection services

• Reduced institutional and environmental barriers

• Stronger community dialogue mechanisms

• Enhanced social capital and trust

• Inclusive participation in local decision-making

Proposals must clearly define measurable indicators.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Review the Call Documentation

Carefully review UNDP’s official call for proposals.

Identify:

• Eligibility requirements

• Geographic focus areas

• Budget limits

• Reporting obligations

• Submission format

Step 2: Design an Inclusive Project Model

Your proposal should include:

1. Problem analysis

2. Clear objectives aligned with social protection, inclusion, and cohesion

3. Community-driven approach

4. Role of youth with disabilities in leadership

5. Implementation timeline

6. Monitoring and evaluation framework

7. Budget breakdown

Demonstrate how the project fosters sustainable impact.

Step 3: Demonstrate Organizational Capacity

Provide:

• Evidence of past projects

• Experience in disability inclusion

• Community engagement expertise

• Governance and accountability structures

Step 4: Emphasize Sustainability

Explain:

• How initiatives will continue beyond project funding

• Community ownership mechanisms

• Long-term capacity-building strategies

Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline

Follow UNDP’s submission guidelines and ensure all required documents are complete.

Late or incomplete submissions may not be considered.

Evaluation Criteria

Successful proposals will likely demonstrate:

• Strong disability-inclusive framework

• Community-led implementation model

• Clear social cohesion outcomes

• Organizational experience and capacity

• Financial accountability

• Alignment with UNDP’s development priorities

Value alignment with the programme’s principles is essential.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Designing projects without meaningful leadership roles for persons with disabilities

• Focusing only on service delivery without strengthening social cohesion

• Weak sustainability planning

• Inadequate monitoring and evaluation frameworks

• Insufficient community engagement

• Poorly defined inclusion strategies

Tip: Clearly articulate how youth with disabilities will lead—not just participate—in activities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is issuing this Call for Proposals?

The call is issued by the United Nations Development Programme under its Social Development component in Syria.

2. Who can apply?

National and international NGOs with relevant experience in disability inclusion and community development.

3. What is the main objective?

To empower persons with disabilities, especially youth, to lead community-driven initiatives that strengthen social cohesion.

4. What are the key focus areas?

Social protection, social inclusion, and social cohesion.

5. Are youth specifically targeted?

Yes. Youth with disabilities are central to the leadership and engagement approach.

6. What makes a strong proposal?

A strong proposal demonstrates inclusive leadership, measurable outcomes, sustainability, and community ownership.

7. Is experience in disability inclusion required?

Yes. Applicants must demonstrate expertise and commitment to disability-inclusive development.

Conclusion

The UNDP Call for Proposals under the Socioeconomic Recovery and Social Development Programme in Syria offers NGOs an opportunity to empower persons with disabilities as leaders of inclusive, community-driven initiatives. By strengthening social protection, promoting inclusion, and fostering social cohesion, the programme contributes to building resilient and equitable communities.

For more information, visit UNDP.