TLDR

A statement delivered at the end of the one-day conference, which was only announced on Sunday and gave many potential participants little time to prepare for, paved the way for a new constitution to be drafted and emphasised the importance of freedom of expression and human rights.

The nature of that constitution will reveal a lot about Syria’s future, particularly as doubts remain among many over al-Sharaa’s intentions, in light of his former affiliation with al-Qaeda.

Al-Sharaa has been quick to distance himself from his past and has largely avoided divisive rhetoric.

The draft constitution should achieve “a balance between authorities, establishing justice, freedom, and equality, and laying the foundation for a state of law and institutions”, the full statement said.