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About WFTO

Our Team and Governance

Our Team and Governance

Guided by passion and expertise, our diverse team drives our mission with unwavering dedication. Transparent governance and democratic decision-making, are at the heart of our organisation, ensuring that every member's voice is heard and valued.

Our team comprises individuals with a wide range of skills and backgrounds, coming together with a shared purpose: to advance our mission of advocating for a new economic system that puts people and planet before profit. We celebrate diversity and actively seek perspectives that challenge and enrich our thinking.

Our Team

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Chief Executive Leida Rijnhout
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Guarantee System Manager Tamara Cobussen
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Branding & Marketing Manager Natalie Hesketh-Maré
Micheal
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Membership Development Officer Michael Sarcauga
Sandra
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Monitoring Officer Sandra Garcia
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Compliance Officer Francesca Gnesutta
Sergio
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MADE51 Project Officer Sergio David Silva Gutiérrez
Marta
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Communications Manager Marta Frigato
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Communications Officer Valia Almpani
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Project Coordinator Zerrin Cengiz
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Monitoring Officer Nicole Salazar
Joy Gibelin
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Monitoring Officer Pilar Barranco
Robert
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Communications Intern Robert Vidal Esteve
Sarah
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Projects Coordinator (Maternity cover) Sarah de Lange

THE BOARD

WFTO is democratically run by its members on a one-(full guaranteed)member-one-vote basis. The Board and President are elected by the members, who also vote on the strategy, budgets and updates to our Fair Trade Principles, together with any other major change to the organisation.

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Roopa Mehta

President
Roopa is a graduate with a major in Economics and holds a Master degree in Business Administration from the University of Delhi. She has additional qualifications in Social Communication. In her earlier career graph, Roopa has worked in the Hospitality and Merchandising sectors. Currently she is heading a Fair Trade Enterprise, Sasha Association for Craft Producers.

A chance meeting with the founder of a Fair Trade Enterprise in Calcutta drew Roopa to the alternative business model which assured artisans their rightful place in the supply chain and sustainable livelihoods with dignity while respecting their traditions, culture and inherent generational skills.

Roopa speaks Hindi and English fluently. When not working, she is an avid reader, listens to Indian and Western Classical Music, meditates, devours films and enjoys spending time with her family.
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Sophie Tack

Vice-President

WFTO Europe Board Regional Representative

Sophie works as a director in Oxfam-Magasins du monde, leading the department focused on research, campaigns, partnerships, education and communication. She is also a member of the board of Directors of the Fair Trade Advocacy Office, and chaires the Fair Trade group in Oxfam-International. She studied International Politics and Development Cooperation at the University of Ghent (Belgium).

 

Sophie has been working in Fair Trade for more than 20 years. To her, inequalities and injustices need to be tackled, and Fair Trade is a wonderful tool to make a difference. She is just passionate about people and planet.

During her free time, Sophie likes to dance, walk, do yoga, listen to music, read books, and enjoy spending time with family and friends.She speaks Dutch, French and English, and she is working on her Spanish skills.

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Pieter Swart

Treasurer

WFTO Africa And Middle East Board Regional Representative

Pieter has been working in the development field for over 30 years with a specific focus on entrepreneurship and social enterprise development. Pieter is also the co-owner of Turqle Trading, a WFTO Fair Trade Enterprise.

 

Pieter is a firm believer in “being the change you want to see in the world”. Fair Trade Enterprises provide the perfect home where this philosophy can be put into practise on a daily basis.

 

Outside of work, Pieter’s other passions are food and wine – cooking and sharing with family and friends. He also loves watching sports and participating in extreme endurance events.
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Luis Heller

WFTO Latin America Board regional representative
Luis is the Sustainability Manager at Allpa, a Peruvian WFTO-verified Fair Trade Enterprise. Luis is also part of the WFTO LA Board and represents the WFTO Global board in the International Fair Trade Towns Steering Committee. As an administrator in the private sector, he decided to move in 2003 to the Fair Trade sector to apply his expertise on it and show how Fair Trade products and artisans can compete in the global market.

Luis believe strongly in equality and justice in the world and the need to confront the lack of them uniting people to get it. He believes that Fair Trade is a positive answer to this struggle.

In his free time, Luis enjoys reading, listening to music and collecting art with his companion and mascots.
 
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Sunil chitrakar

WFTO Asia Board Regional Representative
Sunil had started his career facilitating SMEs in their capacity building and later completed a PhD from Tribhuvan University in Entrepreneurship and Marketing. He runs Mahaguthi Craft with Conscience, a WFTO-verified Fair Trade enterprise as MD/CEO and provides leadership to the Fair Trade Group Nepal as Chairperson. He has also been teaching social entrepreneurship at Nepal Open University and School of Management, Tribhuvan University.

He believes that Fair Trade is one of the best ways of empowering people economically and socially to brings sustained change.

His family name Chitrakar means painter and his traditional profession is ritual painting. During his free time, Sunil enjoys painting and cycling. He speaks Newari as his mother tongue along with Nepali and English.
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Chris Solt

WFTO PACIFIC BOARD REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE

Originally Chris studied to become a secondary school social studies teacher, but along the way he found a strong passion for alternative economies rooted in restorative justice, so completed a Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Social Science at Cleveland State University. After working in the Fair Trade movement for 10 years, he decided to hone his leadership and nonprofit organization skills and completed a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership with a Graduate Certificate in Human Resources from Southern New Hampshire University.

Chris developed a passion for Fair Trade on a trip through Canada in 1998, where he discovered Dix Mille Villages (Ten Thousand Villages). He had been studying Noam Chomsky, Aldous Huxley, Mahatma Gandhi, Howard Zinn, and found an alignment of values despite the limitations of consumer capitalism.

Chris is a lifelong musician and plays many instruments. He loves hiking, bicycling, hiking, kayaking, cooking, gardening, travelling, and spending time with his dog, Teddy the Carin Terrier.
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Giorgio Dal Fiume

Board Member (Independent)
Giorgio graduated in Modern History and because of his experience as a trainer for adults on social, environmental and intercultural issues, he decided to get back to university to deepen his studies and obtain a second Degree in Education Sciences. After many years working in International Cooperation, he then decided to move from training to practise, and that’s why he chose to work in Fair Trade.

 

Giorgio’s youthful interest in cultures and travels quickly became a passion for International Cooperation. His studies and field experience made him aware of the root cause of global injustice and unfair economy. When in 1992 he met Fair Trade, he understood that it was the right way to work on them.

 

Giorgio’s free time is for travel, hiking in the mountains, reading, friends and of course family. Giorgio speaks English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and naturally Italian, most of them learned on the road.
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Swapan Kumar Das

BOARD MEMBER (INDEPENDENT)

In today’s global landscape, it is imperative that both producers and consumers embrace ethical and equitable production and consumption practises alike. This commitment is vital to foster a sense of shared responsibility and mutual care among individuals and communities worldwide. As a dedicated advocate for fair trade principles, I have studied business and am committed to actively promoting and practicing these values to contribute to the creation of a more just and sustainable global marketplace.
Nearly two decades ago, I embarked on a journey in the fair trade industry with the mission of effectively promoting an alternative trading system. My commitment to this cause has remained steadfast ever since.
Getting involved in sectoral associations and networking. There are three languages those are required to be used.
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Indro Dasgupta

Board Member (Independent)
Indro is Director of Craft Resource Center (CRC), India and previously served as Principal Economist for 17 years at Mary Kay Inc., Dallas, Texas. Indro earned his Ph.D. in Economics from Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, where he also teaches as Adjunct Professor in Economics. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from University of Calcutta and a Master’s degree in Economics from the Delhi School of Economics.

Indro’s passion for Fair Trade started in 1993 when he did a study on the impact of “Alternative Trade in Rural India” as part of his Master’s degree. Seeing the positive impact of Fair Trade, since then Indro has been an ardent supporter and practitioner of Fair Trade.

Outside of work, Indro loves watching movies and listening to world music. He speaks English, Bengali and Hindi fluently, and he hopes to be fluent in Spanish some day.
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WFTO REGIONAL OFFICES, NETWORKS & Platforms

WFTO Global works closely with regional representation to ensure a strong and inclusive Fair Trade movement at both global and local levels. Recognising the diverse contexts and challenges faced by Fair Trade Enterprises across different regions, WFTO collaborates with regional networks and organisations to address specific regional needs and promote the values represented by our 10 Fair Trade Principles worldwide.

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WFTO ASIA

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WFTO AFRICA
& MIDDLE EAST

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WFTO LATIN AMERICA

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WFTO EUROPEVisit Website

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WFTO ASIA

Visit Website

WFTO AFRICA
& MIDDLE EAST

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WFTO LATIN AMERICA

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Weltladen - Dachwerband

THE ORGANISATION OF SWEDISH FAIR TRADE RETAILERS

SCOTTISH FAIR TRADE FORUM

KOREA FAIR TRADE ORGANIZATION(KFTO)

FORUM FAIRER HANDEL 

FORUM FAIR TRADE INDONESIA (FFTI)

 FINNISH ASSOCIATION OF WORLDSHOPS

FEDERATION ARTISANS DU MONDE

FAIRTRADE CZECH REPUBLIC AND SLOVAKIA

FAIR-BAND-BUNDESVERBAND FUR FAIREN IMPORT UND VERTRIEB

FAIR TRADE GROUP NEPAL(FTGN)

FAIR TRADE FEDERATION

FAIR TRADE DENMARK

FAIR TRADE ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND (FTAANZ)

EUROPEAN FAIR TRADE ASSOCIATION (EFTA)

EQUO GARANTITO

ECOTA NATIONAL FAIR TRADE NETWORK OF BANGLEDESH

COORDINADORA ESTATAL DE COMERCIO JUSTO-CECJ

COMMERCE EQUITABLE FRANCE

BELGIAN FAIR TRADE FEDERATION (BFTF)

BAFTS - BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR FAIR TRAD SHOPS AND SUPPLIERS

ASSOCIAZIONE BOTTEGH DEL MONDO ITALIA

ASSOCIATION ROMANDE DES MAGASINS DU MONDE(ASRO)

FAIR TRADE FORUM INDIA(FTFI)

ARBEITSGEMEINSCHAFT ZUR FOERDERUNG DE WETLAEDEN (ARGE)

WFTO EUROPEVisit Website

WFTO REGIONAL OFFICES
COUNTRY PLATFORMS
  • Ecuador
  • Peru

Careers

At WFTO, we are committed to reshaping the global economic landscape and promoting fair business practises with an environmental- and people-centric approach. Whether you consider yourself a passionate advocate for social justice, a skilled professional seeking purposeful work, or a visionary seeking to make a difference, we want to hear from you! Please check the open vacancies available below.

Work with us

Join us in creating a world where trade is a force for transformation in the current economic system.

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Jobs and internships

There are currently no vacancies available.

Consultancies

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WFTO Africa & Middle East

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WFTO ASIA

WFTO Asia

There are currently no vacancies available.

WFTO Europe

WFTO Europe

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Job Openings of WFTO Members

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Contact

If you want to contact any of our staff members (not Board) please write to the First Name (ex: Paul)@wfto.com

© 2024 World Fair Trade Organization. All Rights Reserved.

Leida Rijnhout

Chief Executive
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Leida is a social anthropologist by education. She has experience in rural development cooperation with Bolivia and later on she started to work more on Sustainable Development and Environmental Justice at the global level. For decades she facilitated the civil society engagement in UN processes, and she was one of the negotiators for the 2030 Agenda (SDGs).
Being active in negotiations on Sustainable Consumption and Production, she made a strong connection with system change and post-growth economies. She is convinced that Fair Trade Enterprises are a strong and needed instrument to achieve a the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDGs)
Leida is a passionate jazz listener, reads a lot and enjoys hiking and biking in nature. And always happy when animals are around :-)
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Tamara Cobussen

Guarantee System Manager

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Tamara has always had a strong interest in international cooperation and pursued this through studying Management, Economics and Law and Intercultural Communication. Internships in Ghana and with the Dutch Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries (CBI) strengthened this focus. She was employed by WFTO to implement the Guarantee System and oversee its continued evolution.

Tamara’s move to New Zealand led to an opportunity to get involved in Fair Trade. First through the Trust of a Trade Aid shop, followed by working at WFTO member Trade Aid Importers. Working with TAI partners from all over the world made it clear to her that Fair Trade is the only way forward.

Tamara enjoys going on hikes and adventures with her partner and two sons. She loves spending time with friends and family. For some alone time she enjoys going for a run or reading a good book.

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Natalie Hesketh-Mare

Marketing & Brand Manager
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Natalie completed an Honours Degree in Marketing Management at the University of Johannesburg and a Masters in Corporate Strategy. Her Masters’ research thesis was based on business model transformation toward sustainability. Natalie has been fortunate to gain over 15 years of management experience in the Franchise, Health & Beauty, and Food & Beverage sectors. She most recently decided to follow her passion and entered the purpose-driven, Fair Trade sector, which aligns with her values of striving to positively impact both the planet and its people.

Protecting and foresting the environment has been ingrained in Natalie’s heart since she grew up surrounded by natural beauty in South Africa. Her passion for Fair Trade stemmed from her African roots, where she realised the importance of social and environmental sustainability.

Natalie is a passionate dog mom to her Labrador, Charlie, and Weimaraner, Zara. She is also an avid wine lover. Natalie speaks English and Afrikaans fluently as well as a little Dutch.
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Michael Sarcauga

Membership Development Officer

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Michael’s interests in humanities and culture led him to hold a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and later a master’s degree in development, human rights and social justice.

Advocating for economic rights (as a journalist and development activist) has paved the way for Michael to Fair Trade. The movement gave him a wide range of opportunities to pursue his interests in the inherent relationship of realising human rights, inclusive economy and the environment.

Michael spends his free time running or swimming. His native tongue is Cebuano, but speaks Filipino and English fluently. He also speaks Dutch, being the Netherlands as his second home for 17 years.

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Sandra Milena García

Monitoring Officer
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Sandra has studied Corporate Communication and has professional background in Public Relations, Customer Service and Retail.
Because of her interest in human rights and the challenges related to climate change, she was drawn to WFTO activities to support and boost companies efforts to make more sustainable choices.
Sandra is a native Spanish’s speaker. She also speaks English and, occasionally, Dutch.
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Francesca Gnesutta

Compliance Officer
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Francesca studied Political Science and specialised in Human Rights. After a few years of internships and volunteering between Italy, Bulgaria and Ethiopia, she joined WFTO in 2020.
Francesca embarked on her university and professional career with the hope of contributing to positive change in the world, and supporting Fair Trade Enterprises through WFTO allows her to work towards this goal.
In her spare time, Francesca enjoys reading (with a special preference for classics), singing (especially Disney songs), and watching films (of any kind).
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Sergio David Silva Gutiérrez

MADE51 Project Officer
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Sergio holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Business, a specialisation in Governance at the Rosary University-George Washington University, and graduated with a Master’s Degree in Development Studies, pursuing a specialization in Econometric Analysis of Development Policies at Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam.
Growing up in a region of markedly socioeconomic contrasts in Colombia, Sergio’s idea of a dream job was one that combined global efforts to tackle poverty and income inequality and the promotion of SMEs who represent more than 80% of the economy in the Global South. This is the Fair Trade Essence
Play guitar, cook, look after doggies, travel, and listen to geography and physics podcasts. I am fluent in Spanish (native) and English
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Marta Frigato

Communications Manager
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Marta holds a Master’s Degree in Postcolonial studies, with a particular focus on multiculturalism and literature. Because of her interest in intersectionality discourses, she decided to pursue a career in communications to keep researching the interconnections of the systemic injustices that persist in our society today.
Marta’s passion for Fair Trade started when she got more active in the fashion industry, which shifted her perspective on sustainable business models. She found her way to WFTO to advocate for social, economic and gender justice.
Marta speaks English, Italian and Spanish. She is an avid reader, a curious cook, and spends her time at the local organic market, hunting at the vintage & antique stores, or watching movies.
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Valia Almpani

Communications Officer

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Valia is a graduate of the Athens University of Economics and Business, where she earned her degree in International and European Economics, with a particular focus on political science. With a strong foundation in economics and international relations, Valia has always been drawn to the creative field while also harboring a deep desire to make a positive impact on the world.
Her journey into the realm of social impact began during her academic pursuits when she delved into the complexities of global inequality and socio-political issues. It was through this exploration that her passion for Fair Trade started, as she sought to address these pressing global concerns through tangible action.
She speaks Greek, English and Spanish. Outside of her professional life, you’re likely to find her boarding a plane to a new destination, reading at cute cafes, savoring a glass of fine wine, or embarking on city cycling adventures. With a strong commitment to social justice, Valia is poised to make a meaningful difference in the world through her work.”
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Zerrin Cengiz

Projects Coordinator
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Before joining WFTO, Zerrin was actively working in academia in the Netherlands for over five years as a researcher and lecturer. She holds a BA degree in Political Science, an MSc degree in Gender Studies, and is in the process of obtaining her PhD in the same field from Utrecht University.
Zerrin’s passion for eliminating social and economic injustice through an intersectional feminist lens motivated her to work in the field of Fair Trade in order to foster economic, social and environmental justice in a systemic manner.
Zerrin is fluent in English, Turkish and Dutch. In her free time, Zerrin enjoys reading books, watching movies, exploring vintage/second hand shops and cooking family recipes.
 
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Nicole Salazar

Monitoring Office
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Because of her studies in Development Economics, she decided to pursue a career in the Development Sector, starting her journey at WFTO as an intern with the Guarantee System team.
Nicole found her interest in Fair Trade as she delved into her tasks as an intern. At the International Fair Trade Summit in Berlin, she observed how companies from around the world thrive by conducting business through Fair Trade practises, something that captured her attention.
Outside of the office, Nicole enjoys running, reading, and exploring new cities. Spanish is her mother tongue, and she is fluent in English.
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Pilar Barranco

Monitoring Officer
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Pilar has a degree in Public Relations and she focused her career on Corporate Social Responsibility. She has worked in the Sustainability Corporate area in the retail sector, being responsible of programs focused on Education and Environment.
Pilar’s passion for sustainable business started while she was doing her first internship in a NGO which empowered entrepreneurs and small businesses to develop theirselves in the sustainability path.
In her free time, Pilar likes to read books and have coffee around the city. Pilar speaks Spanish, English and Dutch.
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Robert Vidal Esteve

Communications Intern
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Robert is a recent graduate with a background in East Asian Studies and Business Management. Throughout his academic journey, he developed a keen interest in the cultural intricacies found worldwide and the potential of individuals to challenge the structural systems we live in.

Robert’s passion for Fair Trade sparkled during his time as an exchange student in Tokyo, Japan. Discovering the intimate connection between artisans, agriculture, and the surrounding environment motivated him to embark on a thrilling adventure to produce EVOO in his hometown near Barcelona.
Fluent in Catalan, Spanish, English, and Japanese, Robert spends his free time running, reading, and baking. You can often find him in a local pub enjoying a beer while listening to live music.

Sarah de Lange

Projects Coordinator (Maternity cover)
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After completing her Master’s Degree in International Crimes and Criminology, Sarah began working in the field of Fair Trade and work place health and safety.

With an internship with the Centre for International Criminal Justice that focused on corporations’ involvement in war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, Sarah wanted to focus her career on making a positive difference in how companies operate.

Outside of the office, Sarah spends time with her family. They can often be found outside playing in the forest or at home baking. Sarah speaks English and Dutch.
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Belcim Ozcan

Project Implementation Intern
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Belçim, a recent graduate of Yeditepe University, researched the health-related stigmatization of women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in her thesis. Now pursuing a master’s in business administration, she dedicates herself to social entrepreneurship and development.
Ecem’s passion for Fair Trade ignited during her mission in South East Turkey, where she delved into the lives of refugee communities and witnessed firsthand how they were cultivating alternative sources of income from agricultural waste. Belcim’s Fair Trade interest began in 2021 with her INOGAR Cooperative internship (WFTO member). She explored social initiatives in fashion, food, and toy sectors, realizing fair trade’s vital social impact, fueling her passion.
Belçim, a multicultural enthusiast and fluent in Turkish and English, enjoys cooking Anatolian recipes, watching childhood cartoons, and crafting bead jewelry.
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Ecem Yildiz

Project Officer
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With an academic background in Sociology and Public Policy, Ecem works to create people-centred solutions to complex development challenges, and uses her 3+ years of expertise in humanitarian relief, poverty alleviation and sustainable livelihoods to support communities, organisations, and governments in achieving sustainable and inclusive growth. She conducts research and implements multistakeholder projects to paint a picture of how we can green the economy in a way that is as fair and inclusive as possible to everyone concerned, creating decent work opportunities and delivering prosperity for all within the boundaries of our planet.
This eye-opening experience inspired her dedication to promoting equitable and sustainable economies through Fair Trade practices.
Ecem’s free time is often filled with the pursuit of her passions, including indulging in the art of analogue photography, exploring the great outdoors through hiking, and engaging in water sports.
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Joy Gibelin

Communications Intern
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Joy’s is a recent graduate with a background on Digital Design, however her biggest passion is advocating for a circular, sustainable and kinder world.
She joined WFTO because since long ago she felt strongly identified to our vision of people and planet over profit.
Joy was raised inside a backpackers Hostel in Colombia, so in her free time she loves connecting with others, journaling and traveling to places as different as she ever seen before.
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Bojana Vasić

Finance and Administration Coordinator
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Bojana joined Fair Trade after extensive experience managing finances and project implementation at several national Civil Society Organizations and international entities, including UN-Habitat and firms in Kosovo. She holds an MA degree in Architecture.
Familiarization with the work of Fair Trade started while Bojana was still a part of a UN family. She was thrilled by the opportunity to join WFTO and be part of the fantastic team, which soon grew into a passion.
Outside work, Bojana enjoys socializing, cooking traditional Serbian meals, reading, and interior designing. She uses daily multiple languages: Serbian, English, and Dutch.
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WFTO Membership & Associate Types

  • Fair Trade Organisations (FTO)

    All trading members of WFTO. This includes all organisations that have more than half of their income and/or more than €100,000 in income from trade.

  • Fair Trade Support Organisations (FTSO)

    An organisation whose primary mission is to support Fair Trade and/or provide services to organisations that are or want to become Fair Trade Organisations.

  • Fair Trade Networks (FTN)

    An organisation which is an association of organisations committed to Fair Trade.

  • Individual Associates (IA)

    Individual Associates are supporters of the Fair Trade movement with limited rights. The WFTO Guarantee System does not apply to them.

  • Associate Organisations (AO)

    Associate Organisations align with WFTO’s values but after their application. They do not undergo monitoring and also have limited rights.

WFTO Guarantee System Monitoring Statuses

  • Candidates

    Candidates have been conditionally approved for membership but have not completed their first monitoring cycle under the WFTO Guarantee System. They have limited rights within WFTO. They may not use the WFTO Member Mark and Product Label or claim that they are monitored by WFTO.

  • Guaranteed Members

    Guaranteed members have met the WFTO Membership requirements and are monitored under the WFTO Guarantee System.

  • Member

    Organisations that have no or little income from trade go through a reduced version of the WFTO Guarantee System that does not include criteria related to trade. These organisations may use the WFTO Member Mark but cannot use the Product Label for any products they may be trading to support their mission. This status only applies to Fair Trade Networks (FTN) and Support Organisations (FTSO).

  • Renewal in Progress

    Members who are in the process of renewing their guaranteed status and are overdue on some requirements retain full rights while they work to meet the demands of the Guarantee System on an administrative or compliance level.

17th international

FAIR TRADE SUMMIT

17-20 SEPT 2024 – CAPE TOWN 

We are thrilled to invite you to our upcoming International Fair Trade Summit, set to take place in the vibrant city of Cape Town, from the 17th to the 20th of September 2024.

The International Fair Trade Summit aims to bring together leaders, practitioners, and advocates from all corners of the globe to collaborate and promote Fair Trade practices. This edition promises to be a unique opportunity for participants to engage in enlightening discussions, exchange ideas, and forge partnerships that will shape the future of Fair Trade.

Register here to secure your spot!
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Collaboration is key to successful transformation, meaningful impact, and our movement

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WHO CAN APPLY

WFTO welcomes applications from established Fair Trade Organisations as well as organisations that support Fair Trade. Individuals in their capacity as researchers, writers, consultants and specialists in their field who can contribute solid skills, knowledge and expertise to WFTO and members are also welcome.

Add Your Heading Text Initial requirements for organisations:

  • Compliance with the WFTO 10 Principles of Fair Trade. Please have a look at the WFTO Fair Trade Standard for more specific information on compliance with these principles.

  • All applicant organisations must already be duly registered (as a legal entity) and active for at least one year.

Who can apply?

  • Fair Trade Organisations (FTO)

    All companies, partnerships, co-partnerships and other legal bodies – as determined by the legal provisions of the country of the member concerned – that are directly engaged in Fair Trade. They may be producers or northern or southern based trading FTOs for whom Fair Trade is the main activity. To qualify for FTO membership, income from sales (turnover) must account for 50% or more of the total income. Applications for FTO membership cannot be accepted from organisations with no prior sales history.

  • Fair Trade Networks (FTN)

    Legal entities whose primary function is to serve as national or international associations of Fair Trade producers and/or Fair Trade Organisations.

  • Fair Trade Support Organisations (FTSO)

    Fair Trade Organisations where trading is not the main activity (proportion of trade is less than 50% of total income). These organisations are engaged in Fair Trade indirectly, through activities that promote and support Fair Trade. These activities can include business counselling, finance, advocacy or networking.

  • Associate Organisations

    This is a special category for national or international organisations that are interested in supporting and promoting Fair Trade, including donor organisations. Organisations that do not meet the one-year legal existence requirement also fit in this group.

  • Individual Associates

    Individual researchers, writers, consultants and specialists in their field that can support WFTO. WFTO expects its individual associates to be active Fair Trade supporters whose experience and expertise in their own particular field can be of practical benefit to WFTO's members. To apply, please submit a curriculum vitae.

    While FTO, FTN and FTSO are entitled to full WFTO membership, organizational and individual associates have only limited rights.

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enquiries

Please feel free to contact us should you have any specific enquiries
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OUR PRODUCT LABEL

The WFTO Product Label is more than just a Fair Trade symbol. It signifies not only that the practices across the supply chain are checked against the WFTO Fair Trade Standard, but it also represents support to the battle against poverty and inequality. Products carrying the WFTO Label are made and traded by Guaranteed Fair Trade Organisations dedicated to the sustainable Fair Trade economy. Every purchase of products with the WFTO Label supports small producers and their communities.

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