World leaders have gathered in London for a major conference aimed at raising money for Syria.
Sixty countries are represented at the conference, including 30 world leaders.
An urgent plea has gone out for more than eight billion euros to help refugees from the war-torn country.
The conference will focus particularly on the need to provide an education for displaced Syrian children and job opportunities for adults.
This reflects growing recognition that the fall-out from the Syrian conflict will be long term.
Young Syrian refugee Mazoun Almellehan told those assembled that youth education must be a priority.
“One day, when I am a journalist, there is a story I want to write. I want to write the story of how all Syrian children want to come home to lift up their country. I hope that story begins today with you.”
Britain, Germany and Norway have already pledged more than four billion euros.
For European nations, improving the humanitarian situation in Syria and neighbouring countries is seen as critical to reducing incentives for Syrians to travel to the continent.
A huge refugee crisis has put many countries under severe strain.
Aid agencies are appealing for more than seven billion euros (eight billion US dollars) to cope with the humanitarian situation caused by the conflict in Syria.
“We can provide the sense of hope needed to stop people thinking they have no option but to risk their lives on a dangerous journey to Europe.” – British Prime Minister David Cameron
“If we fail to take decisive action now, the situation for civilians and Syria’s neighbouring countries will only get worse. This will affect the whole of the international community.” – Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg