“E-Caravan for Peace” at the United Nations Office at Geneva co-hosted by the ITC and the Permanent Mission of Japan

As part of the projects run by the International Trade Centre (ITC) using contributions from Japan, the ITC is assisting an association of internally displaced women in Damascus (Syria) in manufacturing and selling handicrafts designed by Swiss-Syrian designer, Ms. Rania Kinge.

From 7 to 9 November, during the 3rd Geneva Peace Week, the ITC and the Permanent Mission of Japan co-hosted the “E-Caravan for Peace” at the United Nations Office at Geneva (Palais des Nations), where a selection of handicrafts manufactured by internally displaced Syrian women were exhibited. An opening event for the “E-Caravan for Peace” was held on 7 November, and in addition to Ms. Kinge herself, it was attended by Ms. Dorothy Tembo, Deputy Executive Director of the ITC, Mr. Kansuke Nagaoka, Minister of the Permanent Mission of Japan, and Mr. Esmail Eid, Production Manager of the Made by Women Association.

Minister Nagaoka said that the Japanese Government, in collaboration with the UN and other partners, was extending various types of humanitarian assistance for the people of Syria based on a “people centered” approach, and appreciated that, in the same vein, this project was providing internally displaced Syrian women with job opportunities and sustainable ways of living.

Ms. Kinge and Mr. Eid mentioned that currently over 100 internally displaced Syrian women were gaining incomes and even hope through the products they manufactured through this project, and expressed their sincere gratitude to the ITC and the Japanese Government for their support in making this project possible.

Beyond material assistance, it is crucial to support people’s livelihoods by strengthening the production capacity of individuals and to promote economic growth through trade by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). These ideas correspond with the “Strengthening the Humanitarian-Development Nexus” approach. The Japanese Government is promoting this approach, which contributes to the process of long-term peacebuilding.