QFFD and Turquoise Mountain Trust Strengthen Support for Afghan Weavers with New Agreement.

London: Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) has signed phase two of the grant agreement with Turquoise Mountain Trust (TMT) as part of its ongoing support for the livelihoods of weavers and craftspeople in Afghanistan. Under QFFDs Women in Conflict Zones (WICZ) initiative, the partnership aims to enhance direct livelihood support to weavers and integrate them, along with carpet producers, into the international value chain. It further seeks to promote social and environmental responsibility in the carpet and craft sectors, adhering to international fair-trade standards for female weavers and craftspeople in Afghanistan. According to Qatar News Agency, this continued partnership builds on the success of Phase One, which supported the livelihoods of 4,599 female weavers and benefited an additional 9,539 individuals through their households. During the signing ceremony, which was held in London, United Kingdom, the Director General of QFFD, Fahad Al-Sulaiti, expressed his pleasure in announcing the strengthening and evolution of their ongoing partnership with the Turquoise Mountain Trust. He emphasized that this next phase will yield an increase in job opportunities and endorse economic resilience through alleviating poverty in the Afghanistan humanitarian crisis, increasing weaver wages, and ensuring a sustainable and protected method for selling their products. The objectives set for this project align with QFFDs core values to support Sustainable Development Goal 8, focusing on providing decent work and economic growth within developing countries. President of Turquoise Mountain, Shoshana Stewart, expressed her pride in the collaboration with QFFD, which has already supported thousands of Afghan women and families across the carpet industry. She highlighted that the expanded next phase would support thousands more, providing meaningful livelihoods and showcasing the exceptional skill and traditions of Afghan artisans. The project underscores Qatar Fund for Development's commitment to advancing the economic empow erment and resilience of Afghan women, fostering sustainable development, and creating long-term opportunities for communities in need.