"I think that for the first time, the world has really started to recognize the problem, has a reality check on a full scale of the Syrian crisis and the threat that it poses not for the region but beyond," Simon Ingram said.
Based on speeches made at the donors conference so far, there emerged a realization that "a different level of response is needed."
"This time we are in a new, different situation," Ingram stressed.
European Council President Donald Tusk said total EU commitment would exceed $3.3 billion this year, while US State Secretary John Kerry said Washington would provide $601 million in additional assistance to Syria and $290 million in development assistance to Jordan and Lebanon.
The United Kingdom urged participants to double their contributions to humanitarian aid ahead of the fundraising event to meet the United Nation’s appeal for $7.73 billion. Downing Street pointed out that, last year, only $3.3 billion of the requested $8.4 billion was donated.
The 2016 Supporting Syria and the Region conference is co-hosted by the United Kingdom, Germany, Kuwait, Norway and the United Nations. Its stated aim is to raise "significant new funding" for short- and long-term humanitarian support for the Arab republic, which has been ravaged by a nearly five-year civil war.
According to the UN refugee agency, 13.5 million Syrians are displaced inside the conflict-torn Arab republic, while about 4.6 million people fled the country, mostly to neighboring states.
