Launch of the Northwest Syria Response Innovation Lab (NW Syria RIL)
On May 30, 2024, in Gaziantep, Turkey, we officially launched the Northwest Syria Response Innovation Lab (NW Syria RIL). This initiative, led by World Vision Syria Response and the Response Innovation Lab (RIL), is set to transform humanitarian response in Northwest Syria, particularly in the aftermath of the 2023 earthquakes.
The NW Syria RIL aims to foster collaboration among humanitarian implementers, innovators, and non-traditional actors, creating platforms and networks for an effective response.
The event was a pivotal moment to raise awareness about innovation in humanitarian response and to develop a collaborative roadmap for the NW Syria RIL. We were thrilled to see the enthusiastic participation of local humanitarian actors, international NGOs, private businesses, and innovation support NGOs. Together, we shared our expertise and expectations, aiming to build a stronger, more innovative response system.
The importance of humanitarian innovation and the iterative process of identifying, adjusting, and diffusing ideas to improve humanitarian action was highlighted. The history and evolution of the Response Innovation Lab were shared, emphasizing the need for collaborative, sustainable, and scalable solutions. Insights from other labs were also presented, reflecting on opportunities, challenges, and success stories.
The NW Syria RIL will continue to map the ecosystem, identify gaps, and enhance collaboration among all actors. Our goal is to connect various entities within the ecosystem to improve the response, foster innovation, and create sustainable solutions. We will also document all stages of the innovation process and serve as a platform for exchanging knowledge and lessons learned.
We are excited about this new chapter and look forward to seeing the impact of the NW Syria RIL on humanitarian response in the region. Stay tuned for upcoming gatherings and connect with us if you or your organization would like to be part of this initiative!