Rebuilding Syria

PAST EVENT VIDEO

A conversation on the challenges and opportunities of rebuilding Syria after a decade of civil war.

Alisa Bhachu, Zaher Sahloul, and Suzanne Akhras speak onstage at the Chicago Council Conference Center.

Ana Miyares Photography

Speakers

Suzanne Akhras
Zaher Sahloul
Alisa Bhachu

Event Date

January 16, 2025

About This Event

The decade-long civil war in Syria decimated the country's infrastructure, displaced millions, and created one of the most complex humanitarian crises of the 21st century. Now, Syria stands at a crossroads, with the collapse of the Assad regime offering both immense challenges and extraordinary opportunities. How is this transition affecting Syrians and the millions of refugees worldwide who fled Syria during the civil war? How can the country’s healthcare, education, and infrastructure be rebuilt to address the needs of Syrians who have endured years of conflict? And what role can the international community play in supporting Syria's future? Join us for a conversation with Suzanne Akhras and Zaher Sahloul moderated by Alisa Bhachu as we discuss these questions and more. 

About the Speakers

Suzanne Akhras

Founder & Co-Executive Director, Syrian Community Network

Suzanne Akhras is the founder and co-executive director of the Syrian Community Network. She founded the Syrian Community Network in 2015 to raise awareness and support for Syrian refugees who were being resettled in the United States. Previously, she worked for several community-based organizations and raised funds for causes in Chicago and her homeland of Syria.

Zaher Sahloul

President, MedGlobal

Zaher Sahloul is the president of MedGlobal, a nonprofit organization that delivers crucial healthcare to populations affected by crisis and poverty worldwide. A physician dedicated to providing medical and humanitarian aid to those in need, Dr. Sahloul has led medical missions to Syria, Ukraine, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Gaza, Yemen, and Bangladesh.

Alisa Bhachu

Executive Director, Chicago Refugee Coalition

Alisa Bhachu is the executive director of the Chicago Refugee Coalition. In her career, she has focused on the human rights sector as an advocate for women and girls, namely refugees and asylum seekers, especially those displaced throughout Sub-Saharan Africa.