In his address at the 'Unity of Islamic Discourse' conference organized by the Syrian Ministry of Religious Endowments, President Ahmad Al-Shar' emphasized the substantial foundational progress made in Syria over the past year, despite the overwhelming challenges that have accumulated over decades. He argued that the ultimate assessment of the government’s performance should be left to the populace and observers, using accurate scientific criteria rather than emotional impressions.

He identified rampant administrative and organizational corruption that has persisted for over 60 years, compounded by 14 years of war, as the core issues facing the country. President Al-Shar' reported grim statistics indicating about 1.2 million homes have been destroyed to varying extents, leaving approximately 8 million people without shelter. These figures highlight the dire humanitarian crisis resulting from sustained conflict and neglect of infrastructural needs.

Additionally, Al-Shar' outlined the ramifications of international isolation and accumulated sanctions that Syria has endured. He pointed out the proliferation of refugee camps, the impact of dislocation on citizens, and the degradation of essential services, banking, and energy sectors. Rising inflation and the depreciation of the currency contributed to financial instability, alongside a breakdown in the justice system and the pervasiveness of bribery, all of which pose significant hurdles for his government's nation-building efforts.