Fair Trade Towns Conference Drakenstain RSA

Global Expansion & Key Milestones of FTTC 2024

The annual FTTC survey 2024 results of the International Fair Trade Towns Steering Committee have shown striking numbers in Fair Trade Towns Initiatives. Data provided by National FTT Coordinators show the scale of the network:

• 2,029 Fair Trade Towns & Cities worldwide.
• 268 Fair Trade Universities/Campuses, emphasising education's role in ethical trade.
• 1,861 Fair Trade Schools, ensuring awareness from an early age.
• 646 Fair Trade Faith Groups/Places of Worship, integrating ethical principles into religious communities.
• All toghether 4,804 grassroots-level FTTC initiatives, demonstrating a strong community-driven approach.

Notable Achievements by Country

Each country's campaign has focused on unique initiatives to promote Fair Trade awareness and participation. Some of the most impactful developments include:

Europe:

• Austria: Vienna became a Fair Trade Town after a decade-long campaign.
• Belgium (Flanders): Launched a Youth Ambassador Programme, engaging young activists in the movement.
• France: Shifted its strategy from awarding labels to creating a network-based system where cities sign a charter and pay an annual fee.
• Germany: Stuttgart and the Rhein-Neckar region have been recognised as Fair Trade Regions, and efforts are ongoing to make Saarland the first Fair Trade Federal State.
• Italy: The campaign relaunched successfully, increasing participation, with Bologna, Cesena, Rimini, and Vignola receiving Fair Trade Town status.
• Spain: Secured government funding for 2024-2025 to strengthen Fair Trade initiatives, particularly among youth.

Africa:

• Cameroon: Organized a national Fair Trade Week, focusing on capacity-building for local organisations.
• South Africa: Hosted the first-ever International Fair Trade Towns Conference in Africa, a milestone for the continent.

North America:

• Canada: Revived the National Fair Trade Conference, bringing together over 160 participants, and launched an Ambassadors Programme at universities.
• United States: The campaign celebrated the certification of its 50th Fair Trade School, marking a strong presence in educational institutions.

Asia:

• Japan: Hosted six online seminars, attracting 300 participants to discuss Fair Trade standards and best practices.
• South Korea: Despite political challenges affecting some Fair Trade City certifications, grassroots engagement is increasing among cafés, schools, and businesses.

Challenges & Future Directions

While the Fair Trade Towns movement has seen substantial growth, challenges remain. Some key obstacles include:

1. Political Instability: Local Government changes in countries like South Korea have led to the non-renewal of Fair Trade City certifications.
2. Declining Numbers in Some Regions: The Netherlands is experiencing a drop in Fair Trade Towns, prompting the need for strategic intervention.
3. Sustainability of Funding: Many campaigns rely on external funding, and initiatives like Spain's securing government grants highlight the importance of financial sustainability.

On the bright side, global collaboration and impact on education remain strong pillars of the movement, ensuring continuous advocacy for fair trade practices, and fair justice.

Conclusions

The Fair Trade Towns movement in 2024 showcases impressive global progress, from Vienna’s certification to South Africa’s international conference. With thousands of grassroots initiatives, schools, and faith-based communities involved, the campaign drives ethical awareness and conscious consumerism. However, maintaining momentum requires continued governmental support, community engagement, and youth participation. The future of Fair Trade Towns lies in innovative strategies, stronger networking, and fostering sustainable partnerships worldwide.

The report was presented 22 September 2024 during the International Fair Trade Towns Conference 2024, Drakenstain, RSA. 

Author: Tadeusz Makulski, Int. FTTC Steering Committee Member