London, December 05 (QNA) - 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.

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 said, "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 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 added, "I am so proud of Turquoise Mountains 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 Developments commitment to advancing the economic empowerment and resilience of Afghan women, fostering sustainable development and creating long-term opportunities for communities in need. (QNA)