Qatar’s Trailblazers |
HE Mr Khalifa bin Jassim Al Kuwari
Spreading hope, promoting peacee
The country’s extensive foreign aid programmes increase their scope and
reach across the world
It is not your average day in the
office. When the Director General,
His Excellency Khalifa bin Jassim Al
Kuwari, oversees the work of Qatar
Fund for Development (QFFD), he
meets recipients of Qatar’s foreign
aid all over the world.
They are the beneficiaries of
Qatar’s foreign aid programme,
established in 2002 to deliver the
nation’s development pledges and
commitments to other countries.
QFFD’s work started in earnest four
years ago, when dedicated resources
were allocated to help Qatar tackle
some of the world’s most pressing
humanitarian and development
challenges.
million, while in 2017 this increased
by nearly 33%, to USD 674 million.
HE Mr Al Kuwari says: “Today
our aid reaches over 80 countries
in the form of grants, concessional
loans, and technical assistance. For
next year, QFFD has already signed
agreements with partners and will be
working in eight new countries.
“Our primary focus is to support
human development by improving
education and health systems and
promote sustainable economic
development initiatives geared
towards strengthening communities’
resilience by creating jobs and
improving workers’ skills.”
He adds: “Over the past four
years, QFFD has been able to
reach more than eight million
direct and indirect beneficiaries in
more than 80 countries. During
that time, QFFD has developed
various partnership models with
national and international NGOs
and multilateral organizations to
ensure that its funds are efficiently
used in targeting communities and
individuals.”
The partnership with the Bill and
Melinda Gates Foundation is a case
in point. In 2016, QFFD pledged
USD 50 million to establish the
Lives and Livelihood Fund (LLF).
HE Mr Al Kuwari says: “QFFD’s
mission is influenced by Qatar’s
steadfast commitment towards
spreading hope and promoting peace
and justice through sustainable and
inclusive development.”
Historically, Qatar has been a
generous donor and its aid has
reached many countries all over
the world. In 2016, QFFD’s
contributions reached USD 507
| HE Mr Khalifa bin Jassim Al Kuwari
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