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
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:
Resist Fast Fashion – with achACT ASBL
Working with Volunteers – with Oxfam Wereldwinkel Anspach
Economic Justice – with Oxfam Solidarity Belgium
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 〰️
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)
11:00–13:00: 8 different workshops, talks and practical sessions to choose from:
#1 Cacao Quest - Interactive theatre as a driver for Fair Trade
#2 Activism and the Fair Trade movement
#3 Workshop - How fair are you?
#4 Fair Trade beyond food and crafts - Taking it to the next level
#5 Integrating local sustainable food into your Fair Trade Town campaign
#6 Inspiration from the Fair Trade Towns network - innovative and original campaings & actions
13:00–14:30: lunch and networking
14:30–16:30: 8 different workshops, talks and practical sessions to choose from:
#1 The impact of Fair Trade on communities an individual lives
#2 How to engage young people (18+) in the fair trade movement?
#3 Workshop - How fair are you?
#4 Fair Trade beyond food and crafts – Taking it to the next level
#5 Integrating local sustainable food into your Fair Trade Town campaign
#6 Inspiration from the Fair Trade Towns network - Innovative and original campaings & actions
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