The International Fair Trade Towns Conference takes place in Belgium this October, as we mark 21 years of the Fair Trade Towns Movement in Belgium.

We all know that current global issues like poverty, inequality, and the climate crisis show that conventional economic approaches are failing, and that fair trade offers a sustainable alternative.

Citizens around the world, Fair Trade Towns, human rights organisations, fair trade labels and enterprises are leading the way in demonstrating that balancing financial, social and ecological success with the wellbeing of people and the planet is possible.

This 19th International Fair Trade Towns Conference gives us the opportunity to come together, following the success of last year’s conference hosted in Edinburgh, Scotland - and to plan our next steps as fair trade campaigners and human rights activists. As a Fair Trade campaigner, activist, policy maker and entrepreneur, your contribution is essential this year in Belgium as we tackle the challenges we face as a movement, along with the local success stories, and the story of fair trade as vital to a new global economy.

Let’s come together on 9-11 October in Brussels from around Belgium, Europe and  across the world as local changemakers ready to gain the support needed for systemic change and for global sustainable development.

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and invite representation at this year’s International Fair Trade Towns Conference in Belgium from communities around the world, especially from young people whose voices may often go unheard. Everyone is welcome.

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THE programme

See the program

Friday 9 october

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Friday 9 october 〰️

Morning

European Parliament Tour – free and optional

14:00 – 16 :00 EU Fair Trade Policy Dialogue

At a time when the European Union is rethinking how public money is spent, this session highlights how fairness, sustainability, and human rights can be placed at the heart of public procurement.

Organised by the Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) in Brussels, the dialogue brings together policymakers, local authorities, and Fair Trade experts to explore how public purchasing can support more ethical and sustainable global supply chains.

In this interactive 2-hour session, you can expect:

  • A brief introduction to the EU policy context

  • Inspiring examples from Fair Trade Towns

  • Insights from EU institutions and policymakers

  • Opportunities for questions and exchange

By connecting policy with practice, the session showcases how local authorities can use procurement as a powerful tool for change, contributing to a shared vision of fair and sustainable trade in Europe.

Join the conversation and help shape a fairer future for global trade.

17:00 – 19:00: Conference Opening Reception

  • Bianca De Wolf, Coordinator Fair Towns Network Flanders

  • Caroline Laroye, Coordinator Communes du Commerce Equitable Wallon and Brussels

  • Maxime Prévot, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation (TBC)

  • Jean Van Wetter, CEO of Enabel, the Belgian Development Agency: Impact of Fair Trade in Belgium and worldwide (TBC)

  • Delegate of the International Fair Trade Towns Organisation

  • Adelaïde Charlier, youth activist campaigning for climate and social justice - She offers a personal summary of this first day of the conference

Saturday 10 october

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Saturday 10 october 〰️

Namur

8:00 – 18:00: Field visit to a Belgian Fair Trade Town

The Fair Trade Towns International Conference invites you to a day full of discoveries and discussions in Namur, Brussels or Ghent. When you register, please let us know which city you would like to visit.

  • Insight into each city’s commitment and strategy as a Fair Trade Town

  • Workshops, visits and good practices linked to the five international criteria, the sixth Belgian criterion (local sustainable food) and the Flemish ‘next level’ (fair trade beyond food and crafts)

  • Included: coffee breaks and lunch

  • A coach will be provided to take you from Brussels to the town of your choice.

19:00 – 22:00: dinner and a social activity in Wolf
(Sharing Food Market - Brussels centre)

Choose a city


Visit to Ethiquable cooperative (fair trade immersion)


Lunch: fair trade meal at Le Perron de l'Ilon


Brussels

Afternoon exploration of your choice:

  • Sustainable food exhibition at the NID (VR, animations, participatory activities) (Frend and English versions)

  • MusAfrica - Belgium & Central Africa perspectives (French and English versions)

Finally, join a Fair Trade walking tour in Namur city centre.

Plenary discussion on fair trade & sustainability in local policy – at MAD Brussels (Museum of Art and Design)


Lunch: eco-friendly seasonal lunch at MAD


Afternoon workshops of your choice:


Ghent


Participants will be invited to choose one thematic track for the full day, allowing for a deeper and more meaningful exchange.

Three tracks combine a site visit or field experience with an interactive session, creating space for reflection, and dialogue.

The track on policy does not include a walking component, making it suitable for participants who prefer a more stationary programme


Lunch: fair trade seasonal lunch at the city hall


We’ll explore furter the topic you chose this morning

  • Young people in the lead for Fair Trade

  • Decolonization of Ghent and the Fair Trade Movement

  • Local policy for ethical sustainability public procurement

  • Local food policy & food cooperatives

Sunday 11 october

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Sunday 11 october 〰️

Location:

University of Brussels (VUB)

Pleinlaan 2 in 1050 Brussel

9:00–10:00: registration, refreshments, networking


10:00–11:00: keynote speeches by inspiring and critical voices on the current state of the global solidarity, the impact of Fair Trade and why we must join forces with other movements.

  • Sara Kinsbergen, researcher at the Rabout University Netherlands - Local action for global cooperation and solidarity. The power of local authorities and citizens. 

  • Felix Tetteh, a young cocoa producer based in Ghana. He is a member of the Asetenapa Cooperative and a Fairtrade Ambassador - The impact of Fair Trade on the lives of many.

  • Anuna De Wever, youth activist (Flanders) - Activism as a driving force for a fairer world. Time for a movement of movements. (tbc)



13:00–14:30: lunch and networking



16:30–17:00: coffee break and refreshments


17:00–18:00: closing ceremony of the conference

  • with a look back at the past few days

  • a concluding overview

  • the announcement of the next conference and host city/region/country

18:00: end of the conference