Washington, D.C. (March 31, 2025) – BGR Group, Washington, D.C.’s premier lobbying and public affairs firm, today announced that Bassam Barabandi is joining the firm as a Senior Advisor. Barabandi has extensive experience in Middle Eastern affairs and over two decades of expertise in public diplomacy, policy analysis, and strategic advising. His career includes working with high-level government entities and international organizations, specializing in navigating complex political environments and fostering collaboration across diverse stakeholders.
“Bassam’s background and experience make him an excellent addition to the BGR team,” BGR President Erskine Wells said. “He will offer our clients a unique perspective on events and issues with global impact.”
Mr. Barabandi is the Co-Founder of People Demand Change Inc. Born in Damascus, Syria, with familial ties to Deir Azzour Province, he worked in the Syrian diplomatic civil service for 14 years before leaving the Syrian Embassy in Washington, DC, in 2013 to co-found PDC.
His diplomatic career included roles such as First Secretary at the Syrian Embassy in Washington, D.C., head of political affairs at the Syrian Embassy in Beijing, China, and a post at the Syrian Government’s UN mission in New York City. He also liaised with organizations such as the World Bank, the U.S. Treasury Department, and the U.S. Congress.
Since the Syrian revolution in 2011, Mr. Barabandi has been a strong advocate for Syrian citizens, ensuring unhindered access to consular services regardless of political affiliation. He has collaborated with members of Congress, media outlets, and the U.S. Government to expose and sanction Assad regime officials, companies, and businessmen implicated in human rights violations by freezing their assets. Additionally, he has provided regular updates on the situation in Syria—especially regarding foreign fighters and Iranian interference—offering comprehensive analysis and strategic recommendations to decision-makers in the United States and Europe.
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