Damascus, Sept. 8 (SANA)Syria is preparing to launch a national platform aimed at organizing volunteer work and social responsibility initiatives, creating a centralized database to better identify community needs and direct resources across the country.

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority on Tuesday held a preparatory workshop at the Ebla al-Sham Hotel inDamascusto discuss the platform’s launch, with representatives from government ministries and public-sector institutions taking part.

The workshop introduced participants to the platform’s services and operating mechanisms and outlined procedures for accrediting organizations seeking to join its network of partner institutions.

Participants also discussed forming a joint committee to coordinate work among participating bodies and help organize their contributions through the platform.

Mapping volunteer efforts and community needs

The National Platform for Volunteering and Social Responsibility is designed to establish a nationwide database documenting volunteer activities, initiatives and participation.

Data collected through the platform is expected to provide indicators showing where volunteer capacity is concentrated and where community needs are greatest, helping institutions better target initiatives and allocate resources.

The platform also seeks to bring volunteer and social responsibility efforts under a more coordinated framework by connecting participating institutions and providing a clearer picture of activities being carried out acrossSyria.

Organizers said the initiative is intended to improve the effectiveness of volunteer programs and social responsibility projects by directing available resources and initiatives toward areas where they are most needed.