Syria and the World Bank Group announced on October 18 the creation of the Syria Recovery and Reconstruction Trust Fund, known as START. Run by the World Bank, the fund will pool donor money and private investment to help restore infrastructure and public services, strengthen state institutions, and finance reforms the Syrian government identifies as priorities.

The World Bank estimates Syria’s post-conflict reconstruction will cost about US$216 billion.

Norway pledged approximately 90 million krone ($9.6 million) and the Netherlands €15 million ($16.8 million). START’s initial focus, according to Syria’s state news agency, SANA, is infrastructure, health and education. It will operate under World Bank policies, which include standards on stakeholder engagement, land acquisition, and grievance mechanisms.…