UN asks for more than 8 bn euros

Education and employment are top priorities

UK, Germany and Norway pledge money

World leaders have gathered in London for a major conference aimed at raising money for Syria.

Let us change the narrative…w/our solidarity & generosity, bring true hope to the people of Syria. #SupportSyrianspic.twitter.com/XBnQIdzmWK — Melissa Fleming (@melissarfleming) February 4, 2016

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.

Syrian refugee Mazoun Almellehan introduced by Malala Yousafzai – speaking on behalf of displaced Syrian children on importance of education — Supporting Syria (@SupportSyrians) February 4, 2016

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.”

The European angle

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.

Syria in numbers

250,000 – people killed

6 million – internally displaced

4 million – externally displaced in Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and beyond

7.73 billion – US dollars needed this year

5 billion + – US dollars needed by UN

1.2 billion – needed by host governments

Who has pledged what

Today's #SupportSyrians conference in London focuses on both immediate & long-term needs. This video explains why. https://t.co/G3CEYmgd3R — United Nations (@UN) February 4, 2016

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.

Britain and Norway have pledged an additional two billion euros (2.9 billion US Dollars) in aid for Syrians by 2020

Germany has pledged to give 2.3 billion euros in aid to Syria by 2018. Chancellor Angela Merkel says 1.1 billion will be given this year alone.

What they are saying

“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