The Syrian Negotiation Commission (SNC) is an umbrella political body which represents the broadest spectrum of Syrian revolution and opposition forces. It is a functional entity whose mandate is to negotiate with the Syrian regime within UN-sponsored pathways.

In December 2015, various Syrian opposition forces convened Riyadh I Conference in Saudi Arabia. It was attended by around 150 opposition figures and the formation of the Syrian Negotiation Commission (at the time named High Negotiation Commission) was declared at the end of the conference.

In December 2015, the Security Council issued resolution no. 2254 which provided for launching formal negotiations between representatives of the Syrian opposition and of the regime in order to reach a durable political settlement and establish a credible, inclusive and non-sectarian governing body, adopting a pathway for the drafting of a new constitution for Syria and holding free elections under UN auspices.

The United Nations then officially recognized the SNC as the sole representative of the Syrian opposition.

At the beginning, the SNC comprised 32 members representing six components:

• 9 from the National Coalition of Revolution and Opposition Forces
• 5 from the National Coordination Body for Democratic Change Forces
• 10 from military factions
• 8 independents
• Cairo and Moscow platforms (who refused to interact with SNC at the beginning)

The SNC launched the Executive Framework for a Political Solution in Syria. It held that a political solution must be based on Geneva Communique and UNSCRs 2118 and 2254 which provide for the establishment of a transitional governing body with full executive powers.

The SNC then took part in the UN-sponsored Geneva III and Geneva IV negotiations. The SNC also sent an advisory delegation to Astan I negotiations which were held under the auspices of Russia and Türkiye as guarantors.

In February 2017, the fourth round of Geneva negotiations were held and the UN Special Envoy to Syria presented four baskets to negotiate, namely:

• Establishment of credible, inclusive and non-sectarian governance
• Drafting a new constitution
• Holding free and fair elections pursuant to a new constitution
• Counter terrorism.

The SNC formed ad hoc committees to follow up working on these baskets in addition to other teams to support the negotiations.

In November 2017, the SNC held Riyadh II Conference in which it discussed expanding the SNC to broaden representation and involve more national figures in the SNC particularly from inside Syria and increasing women representation.