On this page find out about World Fair Trade Day, the people behind it and the philosophy that drives it and the ever expanding events and activities that make it what it is: a truly global phenomenon which has grown from grass roots activism into a world wide celebration of ethical spending.
World Fair Trade
Fair Trade is a tangible and efficient response to poverty, economic and global food crises and climate change. The economic crisis confirms the need for trade to deliver sustainable livelihoods and development opportunities to small producers in the poorest countries of the world.
The necessity for Fair Trade on a global scale is evidenced by the fact that a third of the world population survives on less than £1.50 a day.
All About World Fair Trade Day
- World Fair Trade Day is a worldwide celebration of Fair Trade, an initiative of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO).
- World Fair Trade Day has grown into a global festival of Fair Trade with events organised worldwide, on and around the second Saturday of May by members of the World Fair Trade Organization across 70 countries.
- Events have included breakfasts, talks, music, arts, markets, theatre performances, fashion shows, street festivals, carnivals, processions and political protests and demonstrations.
- The aim is to bring people together to drive Fair Trade and campaign for justice in trade and promote sustainable social and environmental policy.
Only 100 per cent Fair Trade organisations and their products and the produce of marginalised communities are showcased on World Fair Trade Day.
Who Is Behind World Fair Trade Day?
World Fair Trade Day is an initiative of the World Fair Trade Organization: wfto.com; and is being supported by thousands of individuals, fair trade organizations, social and environmental movements, producers and consumers all over the world.
Local authorities, national governments and multilateral institutions have been committed to supporting Fair Trade for several decades now.
The World Fair Trade Organisation is the global network of Fair Trade Organisations around the planet, from Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe and North America Pacific Rim. It represents more than 350 Fair Trade Organisations from more than 70 countries.
FINE definition of Fair Trade
FINE is a network of leading organisations providing Fair Trade in Europe.
“Fair Trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect that seek greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalised producers and workers – especially in the South.
“Fair Trade organisations, backed by consumers, are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness raising and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade.”
Mission of WFTO
World Fair Trade Day
“WFTOs MISSION is to enable producers to improve their livelihoods and communities through Fair Trade. WFTO is the global network and advocate for Fair Trade, ensuring producer voices are heard.”
The events celebrating the World Fair Trade Day (WFTDay) are being organized by hundreds of different organisations uniting fair trade producers and consumers, fair trade organisations, social and environmental movements; in a common effort to support Fair Trade and trade justice for small producers.
World Fair Trade Day 2010
8 May 2010
A Big Day for the Planet
The Fair Trade movement shares a vision of a world in which justice and sustainable development are at the heart of trade structures and practices which allow for decent work and dignified livelihood and a fully developed human potential of small producers.
Trade can be a fundamental driver of poverty reduction and greater sustainable development.
Through Fair Trade small producers have the capacity to take more control over their work and their lives. Citizens, from small producers to informed consumers, and institutions worldwide are supportive of responsible production, trading and consumption practices and of Fair Trade.
For more information: WFTDay: www.wftday.info and: WFTO: www.wfto.com
For more information on this year’s World Fair Trade Day visit the website: www.worldfairtradeday10.org
unders, co-operative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others.
Famous Co-ops
The world’s largest consumer co-operative business is the Co-operative Group in the UK, which offers a variety of retail services – its corner shops and supermarkets – and financial and funeral services: the Co-operative Bank and Co-operative Funeral Parlours
John Lewis, leading UK department store chain, is employee owned although not officially a co-op.
Other famous UK co-operatives include Suma Foods, the UK’s largest workers co-operative.
There are many other successful large scale co-ops in other countries.