The 5^th international Fairtrade Towns Conference Beyond 1000 Fair Trade Towns, took place in Malmö, Sweden, on the 19-20^th of November. The conference gathered over 200 representatives from the world’s 1000 Fair Trade Towns, including Nancy Jones from Chicago Fair Trade and 6 other U.S. delegates

The conference, hosted by the City of Malmö and Fairtrade Sweden presented a wide program with seminaries and workshops focusing on public procurement, local engagement for fair trade and producer perspectives among other interesting questions. 25 countries were represented at the conference, discussing the future development and strengthening of the Fairtrade movement and global campaigning.

In addition to the exchange of experiences and inspiration that the delegates obtained during the conference, another concrete result from the conference is the commonly decided statement that was accepted by the assembly on Sunday 20^th. The statement will be raised in the European Parliament and also during the Rio +20, UN’s conference on Sustainable Development in June, 2012. (See attached document)

A public event, the much appreciated show Catwalk for Change, was also a part of the conference where the public was invited and together with the delegates enjoyed an exploding evening with music, fashion show and inspiring speeches. The Swedish minister for EU Affairs and consumer questions, Birgitta Ohlsson, were one of the speakers. At the catwalk a wide variety of clothes in Fairtrade-cotton was displayed.  For pictures se links below.

Great support for the Fair Trade Town movement

86% of consumers are showing great support for ethical procurement.  This is shown in a survery done by the Swedish Custom Market Research Company TNF-SIFO. The survey was done in five Swedish Fair Trade Towns and five non Fair Trade Towns in November 2011, with 1000 respondents. The surevy also showed that the knowledge of Fairtrade certification is also 10% higher in the Fair Trade Towns than in other municipalities ( 72% vv 62%). 83% of the consumers in Fair Trade Towns support the idea that the municipality will continue the work as a Fair Trade Town. 2/3 of the consumers in non Fair trade Towns believe that reaching  Fair Trade Town status will strengthen the reputation of municipality. 

There are over 1000 Fair Trade towns globally

[Your city] , Copenhagen, London, Sydney, Seattle and 1,000 other cities around the world have made common cause in committing to fair trade and being rewarded the Fair trade Towns status. This means that the municipality meets criteria´s related to ethical public procurement, availability of fair trade products locally and support and awareness about fair trade across the community.

Pictures by Jonas Lövendahl

Group picture:

http://www.mynewsdesk.com/se/pressroom/malmo/image/view/200-delegates-on-international-fair-trade-towns-conference-malmoe-2011-102746