Qatar’s role in alleviating humanitarian sufferings in developed and developing nations has won hearts across the globe. Like many generous initiatives taken by various Qatari organisations to serve humanity the world over, Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) is also contributing a lot to ameliorate sufferings of people caught in different kinds of distress.
Foreign aid contribution by QFFD increased by 33 percent in 2017 compared to 2016. “In 2016, contributions from Qatar Fund for Development reached $507m, while in 2017 this increased by 33 percent to $674m,” said a tweet recently posted by the Government Communication Office.
One post also carried a statement of Khalifa bin Jassim Al Kuwari, Director-General of QFFD, in which he said: “Qatar Fund for Development’s mission is influenced by Qatar’s steadfast commitment towards spreading hope, and promoting peace and justice through sustainable and inclusive development.”
The QFFD is responsible for overseeing Qatar’s international development and improving the livelihood of communities around the world through the distribution of the country’s foreign aid. Its remit includes empowering populations by promoting education, healthcare, and economic development; providing support to developing countries through a portfolio of financial instruments; and engaging in local and international partnerships to maximise benefits.
In May this year, Qatar Fund for Development and Qatar Charity signed an agreement worth $8.8m with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to provide Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh with basic services. QFFD and Qatar Red Crescent Society also signed a $12m funding agreement to support the displaced communities in Syria under the umbrella of the UN.
Both also signed an agreement to finance the projects worth $8m to address the humanitarian and medical needs of more than 623,000 beneficiaries in Libya. In April this year, QFFD signed a $3m agreement with the World Food Program to help displaced people in Iraq.
QFFD had also signed a $2m agreement with the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator to support emergency relief efforts for some of Afghanistan’s most needy communities.
Following the adoption of the 2030 Development Agenda, the QFFD has invested time and efforts to build its internal capabilities and develop a large network of national and international partners. One of its initiatives included plans announced in November last year to expand the Qatar Creating Vision eye health project.
Implemented in collaboration with international eye-care charity Orbis, the initiative has provided almost 2.4 million eye tests to children through school screenings in India and Bangladesh since 2016. It now aims to deliver 5.5 million eye tests and treatments to children across the two countries by mid 2020.
Qatar has always played crucial role in promoting peace. The QFFD’s efforts will encourage other countries to play active role in alleviating humanitarian sufferings.
