For Syrian refugees living in Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey, recognition is a transformative mechanism that can help them enter or re-enter education, integrate into the world of work and participate fully in their host communities. However, while policy-makers in the region have prioritized the recognition, validation and accreditation of non-formal and informal learning, it remains a major challenge to develop systems that do this effectively. Pathways to Empowerment lays the essential groundwork for such a system, urging governments to develop comprehensive national strategies rather than ad hoc projects to recognize the competences of Syrian refugees. Its recommendations will contribute to dialogue between national authorities and social partners, and guide policy actions and RVA practices both in the region and in other parts of the world where recognition of refugees’ learning is a critical issue.