World Fair Trade Day 2009

 

by Deborah Miarkowska

An Historic Day, World Fair Trade Day, today,  9th May 2009.

World Fair Trade Day was adopted by the International Fair Trade Association (IFAT) and its members in 2001 to promote global awareness of Fair Trade. But its roots extend back into NEWS! Network of Worldshops in Europe and People Tree in Japan that were fundamental in building a day dedicated to Fair Trade.
Since then, World Fair Trade Day has grown into a global festival of Fair Trade with events organized worldwide, on and around the second Saturday of May.

Events have included Fair Trade breakfasts, talks, markets, live performances, fashion shows, carnivals, processions and protests, to drive Fair Trade sales, and campaign for justice in trade and promote sustainable environmental policy. Fair Trade products and produce from marginalised communities are showcased on the day.

The World Fair Trade Organization was formerly known as IFAT, established in 1989. It is unique in representing both Southern and Northern Fair Traders across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America and the Pacific Rim. It represents the world’s leading Fair Trade cooperatives, exporters and importers, retailers and networks, all of which have demonstrated a 100% commitment to Fair Trade.

The WFTO is the organization behind World Fair Trade Day and the ideas and practices it promotes.

Promoting change
World Fair Trade Day 09 May 09 A salute to the people and organizations who have dedicated themselves to making Fair Trade what it is today: a solution not an issue.
Fair Trade is not just about poverty, it’s a solution to poverty. It’s not just about climate change, it’s a solution to environmental degradation.
It’s not just about protest, it’s about change. And change that’s become critical for all of us.
World Fair Trade Day 09 May 09 is organised by the World Fair Trade Organization, which has over 350 member organisations worldwide - all of which are committed to 100% Fair Trade. The WFTO represents 110 million people worldwide.
Events have included Fair Trade breakfasts, talks, markets, live performances, fashion shows, carnivals, processions and protests, to drive Fair Trade sales and campaign for justice in trade and promote sustainable environmental policy. Fair Trade products and produce from marginalised communities are showcased on the day. World Fair Trade Day 2009 really will be a big day for the planet.
We’d like you to join us by creating an event, joining an event, changing a planned event, putting 09 May 09 in your diary, street, village, venue, country and promoting it like there’s no tomorrow… which may not be very far from the truth.
Trade the old way, that doesn’t work, for the new way that does.

« back to previous page

Comments are closed.