This vital Qatari initiative comes as part of an agreement signed by the Qatar Fund for Development with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources of Jordan, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme to provide operational support if and when needed.

The initiative will provide reliable electricity supply, generating power from 400 megawatts of electricity daily and gradually increase production at the Deir Ali power plant in Syria. The electricity will be distributed to several Syrian cities, including Damascus, Rif Dimashq, As Suwayda, Daraa, Al Qunaitra, Homs, Hama, Tartus, Latakia, Aleppo, and Deir ez-Zur, contributing to the improvement of basic services and enhancing the stability of affected communities.

In this context, Mr. Fahad bin Hamad Al-Sulaiti, the Director General of the Qatar Fund for Development, emphasized the importance of this collaboration in supporting sustainable development and enhancing regional solidarity. He stated, “This initiative represents an important step towards meeting Syria’s electricity needs and reflects a shared commitment among all parties to work collectively for the benefit of the region. The State of Qatar, through the fund will continue to support the brotherly Syrian people, respond to their urgent needs, and strengthen their resilience to ensure a stable and prosperous future.”

This initiative reflects the State of Qatar’s steadfast commitment and continuous support to the brotherly Syrian people in humanitarian and relief fields, contributing to recovery and reconstruction efforts, and ensuring the provision of essential services to achieve a more stable and prosperous future for all.

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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 QFFD’s 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. 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, Mr. Fahad Al-Sulaiti, Director General of QFFD, stated, “It is with great pleasure that we announce the strengthening and evolution of our ongoing partnership with the Turquoise Mountain Trust. Building on the foundation of Phase One, this next phase will yield an increase in job opportunities and endorses economic resilience through the alleviation 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 aligns parallel with QFFD’s core values to support Sustainable Development Goal 8, focusing on providing decent work and economic growth within developing countries.”

Mrs. Shoshana Stewart, President of Turquoise Mountain, added, “I am so proud of Turquoise Mountain’s collaboration with the Qatar Fund for Development, which has already supported thousands of Afghan women and families across the carpet industry, and will support thousands more under this expanded next phase. This project is not only providing meaningful livelihoods but is also showcasing and celebrating the exceptional skill and traditions of Afghan artisans.”

The project underscores Qatar Fund for Development’s commitment to advancing the economic empowerment and resilience of Afghan women, fostering sustainable development and creating long-term opportunities for communities in need.

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The Qatar Fund for Development and the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation have signed a grant agreement worth $4,175,000 to restore the Bibi-Khanym Mosque Complex in Samarkand, the capital of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The project will be carried out by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture. The restoration of this mosque, which dates back to the 15th century, represents a crucial step in reviving and revitalizing cultural heritage in the heart of Samarkand. The mosque is considered one of the largest and most magnificent in the Islamic world.

The signing ceremony was attended by Her Excellency Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, Her Excellency Ms. Saida Mirziyoyeva, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan  His Excellency Mr. Hassan bin Hamza Hashem, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Uzbekistan; Mr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al-Aseeri, Acting Director General of the Qatar Fund for Development; Mrs. Gayane Umerova, Chairperson of the Board of Uzbekistan’s Art and Culture Development Foundation; and His Excellency Aga Khan, Founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network.

Following the 1897 earthquake in Uzbekistan, the architectural structure of the Bibi-Khanym Mosque suffered severe damage, leading to the collapse of the inner arch of the main iwan and destabilizing the main dome. This project aims to complete previous restoration efforts and rebuild the mosque, while also providing job opportunities to support the economic empowerment of the poorest segments of the Uzbek community. The project also seeks to revive the mosque by offering necessary training and teaching new skills that will facilitate in-depth research and precise implementation plans to preserve the mosque using traditional building techniques.

During the ceremony, Mr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al-Aseeri stated: “The Qatar Fund for Development strongly believes in the importance of supporting the friendly Republic of Uzbekistan through the restoration of the historic Bibi-Khanym Mosque to protect heritage while ensuring job creation and promoting economic growth. The fund is proud to support the restoration of this great architectural landmark, contributing to economic empowerment and boosting tourism through sustainable methods that ensure the continuity of Uzbekistan’s rich culture for future generations.”

In her speech, Mrs. Gayane Umerova, Chairperson of Uzbekistan’s Art and Culture Development Foundation, praised the significance of the project and stated “The restoration of the Bibi Khanum Mosque is not just about preserving an architectural marvel but it is also a vital investment in Uzbekistan’s cultural heritage and economic future. By engaging local communities in this transformative project between the the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Fund alongside the Qatar Fund for Development, we aim to empower the safeguarding of Uzbekistan’s history while creating sustainable livelihoods that benefit generations to come.”

This project underscores the ongoing support from the Qatar Fund for Development in the development and restoration of cultural centers through collaboration with leading Uzbek institutions, further strengthening the strong bilateral relations between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Uzbekistan in promoting sustainable economic growth and cultural preservation.

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The event, held at the heart of the restored market, was graced by the presence of prominent dignitaries, including HE Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Lebanon, HE Eng. Walid Nassar, Minister of Tourism in the Lebanese caretaker government, Dr. Asad Issa, Mayor of Douma, HE Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the United Nations for Global Tourism organization, Ms. Hayat El Haj Shalhoub, Chairperson of the National Committee for Douma Festivals.

The ceremony marks the culmination of a collaborative project initiated in 2019 aimed at enhancing the urban infrastructure of Douma, a village in northern Lebanon. The restoration project, funded by Qatar Fund for Development, underscores the State of Qatar commitment to supporting Lebanon’s economic and cultural heritage by rehabilitating the old market’s infrastructure and developing both private and public facilities.

During the grand opening ceremony, Douma was proudly declared one of the best tourist villages of 2023, an accolade that recognizes its rich cultural heritage and tourism potential. This prestigious award was commemorated with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, symbolizing Douma’s status as a premier destination for cultural and heritage tourism. The announcement, celebrated with traditional Lebanese festivities, highlights Douma’s restored market as a central hub of economic and cultural revitalization.

The restoration of the Douma Market aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 8, which focuses on promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. The project is expected to invigorate the local labor market, provide new employment opportunities, and enhance the income of residents.

The ceremony concluded with a tour of the newly restored market, showcasing the blend of traditional architecture and modern amenities designed to attract both tourists and local shoppers. The restored market is poised to become a central hub for commerce and tourism, reflecting the rich heritage and vibrant future of Douma. 

Qatar Fund for Development remains dedicated to fostering sustainable development and supporting the Arab world in achieving economic stability and growth. The Douma Market restoration is a shining example of how heritage preservation and economic development can go hand in hand to benefit communities.

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Qatar Fund for Development and UNDP Accelerator Labs hosted Virtual side event of the
High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development

Qatar Fund for Development and UNDP Accelerator Labs hosted a virtual event on the side lines of the 2020 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF). The theme of the conversation was “The Fast and the Curious. Local innovations to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals in times of COVID-19”.

“Agility, diversity and tapping into the power of bottom up solutions will be essential to navigate a course beyond recovery, towards 2030, with the Sustainable Development Goals as our compass “shares Achim Steiner, Administrator United Nations Development Programme.

The conversation was about “Learning from Local Innovations to Tackle Global Problems” moderated by Mrs. Gina Lucarelli, UNDP Accelerator Lab Team Leader, with the following panelists: Ms. Shoko Noda, Resident Representative, UNDP India, Dr. H. Purushotham, Chairman and Managing Director, NRDC, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India , Mr. Omar Shaath, Project Specialist, Qatar Smart Programme (TASMU), Ms. Nouf Al-Kaabi, Development Analyst, Qatar Fund for Development, Mr. Hamad Al-Qahtani, SME Incubation & Acceleration Manager & General Manager, Qatar Incubation Center ,Ms. Sharleen Mabisa Moyo, Head of Solutions Mapping, UNDP Zimbabwe. 

“QFFD is very proud to be a core investor in the Accelerator Labs network. We strongly believe that more can be done and our commitment to more collaborative action is stronger than ever.” Said Mr. Ali Al-Dabbagh Deputy Director General for Planning of QFFD, on his opening remarks

Mr. Al-Dabbagh also called for “young innovators to continue addressing the developmental challenges wreaking havoc in fragile states, LDCs, SIDs and hampering progress towards Agenda 2030″

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, human development is on course to decline in 2020 for the first time since measurement began. 1.3 million new cases emerge each week, especially in developing countries where nine out of ten people earn a living in the informal economy, for whom ‘logging on and working from home’ is just not an option.

They discussed how local innovations can contribute to accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals even, and especially, in times of COVID-19.

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Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) signed an agreement with Batrouniyat for the restoration of the old market in the Lebanese village of Douma during a ceremony dedicated to the occasion.

The agreement was signed by H.E. Mr. Mohammed Hassen J. Al-Jabir, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Lebanon on behalf of Qatar Fund for Development, and H.E. Mrs. Chantal Aoun Bassil, the President on behalf of Batrouniyat.

The renovation works include the rehabilitation of the frontages of the market, the improvement of the project infrastructure, as well as the development of private and public facilities for the project.

The project aims to contribute to support the Lebanese people. The project will improve the urban planning of the area and will contribute to the renewal of the economic movement of the region. The market plays a role as an economic weight for the village and the market represents an important heritage and tourism. Such projects contribute not only to the revival of the economy and tourism, but also contribute to the opening of new job opportunities, thus refreshing the work market and adding to the income of individuals.

During the speech, H.E. the Ambassador said:” This contribution represents the ongoing commitment of the State of Qatar through the Qatar Fund for Development to support Lebanese people and preserve Lebanon’s heritage and tourism, as well as providing assistance in different areas, such as economic, social, cultural, developmental and humanitarian.”

And on the other side H.E. Mrs. Chantal Aoun Bassil said:” Here is Qatar again and again helping Lebanon to hold up beautiful and distinctive, we thank the Emir, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Ambassador to Lebanon and Qatar Fund for Development for providing 1 million US $ to finish this unique project, which will always hold the name of Qatar on its walls. We in Batronas will love Qatar, and the Dominians, Batronas and Lebanese will hold Qatar’s permanent gratitude for its good. ”

This project complements the role of the Qatar Development Fund, represented by the State of Qatar, in assisting the Arab brothers. The project is also a continuation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),

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26 June 2019: In line with Qatar’s efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals at the national and international levels, and to continue to achieve this goal through strong and effective partnerships, UNDP – in partnership with the State of Qatar, represented by the Qatar Fund For Development (QFFD), the Federal Republic of Germany (German Cooperation) and The Government of Italy – launched a global network aimed at finding innovative ways of solving complex sustainable development problems. Qatar Fund For Development (QFFD) has made a USD 20 million contribution to the UNDP accelerator labs network in 60 developing countries  over the period of four years from 2019 to 2022,Through a grant agreement signed between the Qatar Fund For Development and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) on the sidelines of the Doha  Forum in December 2018.

HE Sheikh Saud Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani,  the Ambassador of the State of Qatar in Berlin, Germany, represented Qatar Fund For Development, and  gave a speech at the opening ceremony of the UNDP Accelerator Labs Network Launch. The ceremony was also attended by HE Martin Jäger, State Secretary of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and HE Mr. Achim Steiner, United Nation Development Programme Administrator.

In addition to the USD 30 million contribution made by the Government of Germany, a similar cost sharing agreement was also signed with the Government of Italy, who contributed EUR 5 million to this project that aims to establish a network of laboratories to accelerate development impact, guided by relevant policies and guidelines of UNDP. The network also aims to capture and nurture local solutions, turn them into actionable intelligence, and make that intelligence available to countries belonging to the Accelerator Lab Network and to the entire development community.

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Celebrating the distribution of aids for the Public Health Training Initiative 10 December 2018

Qatar Fund for Development participating in the Sudan Public Health Training Initiative, which is supported by Qatar Fund for Development overseen by The Carter Center in collaboration the Federal Ministry of Public Health in Sudan

and Health Sciences Academy. The participation will take place from 10-13 December 2018.

This support includes improving and strengthening the teaching environment, providing training needs and training tools, providing books and scientific references, and providing modern teaching aids. The initiative also supports the modernization of the curricula of the health sciences academies and the vocational training centers. It also builds the capacity of trainers and the development of faculty members in health sciences by training them in modern learning and learning systems, education based on the development of skills and scientific research.

Commenting on this initiative and event said HE Mr. Khalifa Al-Kuwari, director general of QFFD.

“This partnership between Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) and The Carter Center provides overall support for the health sector and advancement of peace in Sudan. Many sectors have come together to achieve a common goal of improved maternal and child health in Sudan.

HE added:”This initiative in line with UN Sustainable Development Goal 3, which focuses on “ensuring that all people enjoy a healthy lifestyle and wellbeing at all ages. This aligns with the Qatar Fund for Development strategy, . especially in its projects and activities on the sectors of education, health and economic empowerment.”

“This partnership has made an impact to improve maternal and child health in Sudan through building skills of health professionals and science educators and providing critical new medical equipment and supplies,” said Amb. (ret.) Mary Ann Peters, CEO of The Carter Center.

“The commitment and support from the Qatar Fund for Development enables Sudan’s dedicated health professionals to provide quality for women and children in rural communities.” Added

Today, training aids are distributed to the target population in the eight states, which include skills labs, books and scientific references, computers. This is the third batch of required work aids. The number of 18 skills labs for community midwifery, medical assistant, and laboratory attendants was distributed in February 2018, as was the distribution of midwifery skills and distribution of training materials from computers, stamps, photocopiers, projectors and audio systems in 2016 -2017.

In addition, 5,100 books and scientific references were distributed to feed libraries of health science academies in the target states in February this year. It will gradually be followed by the distribution of an estimated number of books and scientific references in excess of U.S. $1 million

This event coincides with the graduation of 114 midwives from North Darfur, who have been trained and graduated from the (Omdurman Training Center for midwives). This confirms that the benefit provided through this initiative extends to all the states of Sudan directly and indirectly.

This initiative aims to improve the training process as a whole to contribute to the production of qualified and trained health personnel so that they can provide high quality and professional health services to contribute to improving and improving maternal and child health services in particular and improving the health situation in the country in general.

In October 2017 Qatar Fund for Development signed a cooperation agreement with The Carter Center, a nongovernmental organization which aims to advance peace and health around the world. The agreement aimed at strengthening the health education system for medical staff in Sudan.

This initiative in line with the 3^rd Goal of the sustainable development Goals, which focuses on “ensuring that all people enjoy a healthy lifestyle and wellbeing at all ages.” Qatar Fund for Development strategy’s in line with sustainable development goals. Especially in its projects and activities on the sectors of education, health and economic empowerment. The initiative is part of the Qatar Foundation’s interest in empowering people through public health promotion, as well as building local and international partnerships to achieve sustainable impact.

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The state of Qatar representative by Qatar Fund for Development Commits a MultiYear commitment for $16 million core resources and an additional $20 million to help fund UNDP’s Accelerator Labs and become a ‘launch partner.’ by this contribution the state of Qatar will be the first to support the UNDP country Accelerator labs to accelerate the SDGs in 60 developing country.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) a MultiYear commitment by the government of Qatar for $16 million core resources and an additional $20 million to help fund UNDP’s Accelerator Labs and become a ‘launch partner.’

The pioneering Accelerator Labs will be launched in January 2019 in 60 developing countries.   These Labs will become integral to UNDP’s existing country-based teams and infrastructure, and will enable UNDP to connect its global network and development expertise spanning 170 countries, with a more agile, innovation capacity to support countries in their national development priorities.

Mr. Steiner and HE Khalifa Al-Kuwari, Director General of the Qatar Fund for Development, signed a Partnership Framework Agreement for the next four years where they agreed to partner to advance the Sustainable Development Goals globally and involve young Qatari professionals in the UN’s development work as Junior Professional Officers (JPOs).

“A key objective of the Qatar Fund for Development is the achievement of inclusive and sustainable development. The partnership with UNDP is a major step towards achieving this goal. We are proud to collaborate with such an important partner to bridge the gap between humanitarian efforts and development work. The Qatar Fund for Development and the UN have a longstanding record of achievements in the field of sustainable development and peace building. We look forward to continuing this collaboration with UNDP to address underlying risks and strengthen resilience wherever needed” said HE Khalifa Al-Kuwari, Director General of the Qatar Fund for Development

“We thank the government of Qatar for their strong investment to UNDP’s core capacity and for their support to our cutting-edge Accelerator Labs initiative,” said UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner today in Doha. “It is my hope that by supporting and connecting a diverse group of government actors, entrepreneurs, academics, and civil society with global networks of development innovation and best practice, we can surface nationally inspired solutions that will accelerate and scale up progress towards the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.”

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all UN Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet.  At its heart are the 17 SDGs, an urgent call for action by all countries – developed and developing – in a global partnership to end poverty, improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.

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