As leaders from around the world gather in London tomorrow to discuss the response to the humanitarian crisis in Syria, UK International Development Minister DESMOND SWAYNE writes in the Evening Times on the importance of supporting children.

“GLASGOW has a long, proud history of being a friendly and welcoming city.

Since Syrian families under the resettlement scheme arrived at Glasgow Airport last September, the overwhelming outpouring of support from communities across the city has only sought to strengthen that reputation.

Great credit must also go to Glasgow City Council who have worked closely with the UK and Scottish Governments on this issue. It’s an example of how we do our best for the country when we work in partnership.

International partnerships are also vital. That’s why tomorrow the UK Government will host an international conference in London alongside our co-hosts Kuwait, Germany, Norway and the UN to galvanise a stronger international response on behalf of Syria and the region.

Syria is now the biggest and most urgent humanitarian crisis in the world. Inside Syria itself the picture is desperately bleak. People are under siege, starving, sick and unable to access basic medical care. There are 18 million people in desperate need of humanitarian assistance in Syria and the region.

Since day one of this crisis, the UK has led the humanitarian response, doing everything possible to support the Syrian people. We have pledged more than £1.1billion in aid, making us the second largest bilateral donor after the US. Civil servants from the UK’s Department for International Development dual headquarters in East Kilbride have been instrumental in our on-going work.

But it’s not just about immediate lifesaving support. I have visited UK-funded refugee camps in Jordan and spoken to Syrian people there. I know how important education is to Syrian children and their parents. We cannot allow the children who will one day be expected to rebuild Syria to become a generation lost to conflict.

That is why the UK launched the No Lost Generation Initiative to provide education, protection, and psychosocial support for children affected by the crisis. At the London Conference we will be pushing for major commitments to get all young Syrian refugees into education.

When you speak to Syrian refugees, they want to go home and help rebuild their country. It is the humanitarian support, which we have proudly led, that makes it a viable option for them to stay in the region, closer to their homes, instead of making a perilous voyage to Europe.

Peace alone will give Syrian people their future back but while we strive to find a diplomatic solution, we must continue to stand by the people of Syria and do everything possible to alleviate their suffering.”