​On 15 March 2016, Syria marks a sombre occasion – the 5th anniversary of the deadly conflict. Having claimed 250,000 lives and forced 12 million to flee their homes, to neighbouring countries or other areas in Syria, the five years of conflict has led to untold amounts of human suffering.

But five years on, Syria needs more than short term emergency aid. Is longer-term development possible in a place like Syria? Perhaps – in opposition held territory, for example, work is underway to support the creation of local government bodies. This gives local people the opportunity to rebuild their society, in the midst of civil war.

Bringing together leading humanitarian officials, Syrian aid workers and experts, this event will reflect on the impact of the war and look at how to help people in Syria survive – and even rebuild and recover – as the war continues.