DAMASCUS, Syria | The International Youth Chamber of Damascus has elected Nasser Al-Qadi as its local president for 2027 following its annual general meeting on September 19, according to an announcement by the organization.
Muhammad Anwar Al-Louji, the outgoing local president, presented the chamber’s 2026 work report, while local treasurer Muhammad Hisham Al-Louji presented the financial report through the end of February 2026. The announcement said the financial report was approved by the assembly.
Other elected officers include Najwa Madkhana as local secretary general, Muhammad Hisham Al-Louji as local treasurer, and Zain Al-Sabagh, Joudi Al-Rafai, Rinad Nofal and Mania Al-Mawani as local vice presidents. Al-Louji will serve as immediate past president.
The organization congratulated the incoming board and thanked members for supporting its mission of positive change and sustainability.
Junior Chamber International (JCI) Syria was established in 2004 under the umbrella of the International Chamber of Commerce Syria. The youth leadership network promotes entrepreneurship, leadership development, community engagement and volunteerism. Its stated mission is to provide young people with opportunities to create positive change.
The leadership transition comes as Syria continues to navigate a historic political transformation. The country gained independence from French rule in 1946 and experienced decades of political instability before the Ba’ath Party took power in 1963. Hafez al-Assad became president in 1971, establishing a system of authoritarian rule that continued under his son Bashar al-Assad, who assumed the presidency in 2000.
Protests demanding political reform erupted in 2011 and were met with a violent government crackdown, escalating into a devastating civil war. On December 8, 2024, opposition forces captured Damascus, ending more than five decades of Assad family rule. Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia, opening a new and uncertain chapter in Syria’s political history.
Since Assad’s removal, Syria has faced the complex task of rebuilding institutions, restoring infrastructure and addressing the consequences of years of conflict. Against this backdrop, JCI Damascus says its incoming leadership will continue working with members to promote positive change and sustainability through youth leadership and community initiatives.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
