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International Fair Trade Summit 2024

  • Cape Town, South Africa
  • Century City Conference Centre
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Tue 17 Sep

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Fri 20 Sep
2024
  • 16 September: Pre-registration at the conference centre
  • *20 September: WFTO Member only AGM
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Register here to secure your spot!

We are thrilled to announce the upcoming International Fair Trade Summit, set to take place in the vibrant city of Cape Town, South Africa. Mark your calendars and save the date for this event, which will be held from the 17th to the 20th of September 2024. This is an occasion not to be missed for anyone passionate about Fair Trade and its potential to transform the economy around the world. 

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. 
Attendees will include representatives from Fair Trade Enterprises, organisations, governments, businesses, and civil society, all united by a common goal: to rethink how we can create an equitable and sustainable global trading system.
During the summit, participants will have the chance to attend inspiring keynote speeches, interactive panel discussions, and insightful workshops. They will hear from distinguished speakers who are leading the way in Fair Trade, and gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the movement.
Cape Town, known for its breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, will provide a stunning backdrop for this important event. Participants will have the opportunity to explore the city’s iconic landmarks, experience its vibrant arts and music scene, and savour its renowned cuisine.
Join us at this summit as we work towards a just and sustainable global economy!
Register here to secure your spot!

Speakers:

Here are some of the esteemed speakers who will be hosting sessions at our Summit. More speakers will be added to the programme in the coming months. 

  • Leida Rijnhout
    Leida Rijnhout WFTO

    Chief Executive

  • Erinch Sahan
    Erinch Sahan Doughnut Economics Action Lab

    Business & Enterprise Lead

  • Manpreet Kalra
    Manpreet Kalra

    Social Impact Advisor & Speaker

  • Rain Morgan
    Rain Morgan Turqle Trading

    Co-owner

Summit themes:

  • Theory of change: How Fair Trade enterprises are catalysing change
  • Future Proof Fashion: A virtual fair fashion showcase
  • The Next Generation: Their role in amplifying the Fair Trade movement
  • Donut Economics: Doing Business inside the boundaries
  • Intersectional systems approach: De-colonising the narrative
  • The detailed programme will be shared soon!

Tickets:

In-person: Cape Town

In-person: Cape Town
PRICE
EARLY BIRD*
Full Summit including lunch & dinner (excluding accommodation)
€ 450
€ 425
Daily Rate: 17 – 19 September incl. lunch & dinner (Day 1 OR Day 2 OR Day 3)*
€ 125
€ 110
Virtual: Live streaming of plenary sessions only
PRICE
EARLY BIRD*
17-19 September (All 3 Days)
€ 50
€ 35
  • The early bird discount is valid until 30 June 2024
  • 20 September is an AGM for WFTO Members only

Events:

There will be three side events taking place during the summit showcasing products from some of our WFTO Members. We are in the planning phase and calling all of our WFTO Members to submit their entries! 

EXPO/Marketplace
We are finalising the spaces required for our WFTO members in the EXPO area of the  Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town. The EXPO hall is right next to where all the main summit events will happen. The EXPO will run from Monday, 16th Sept (registration and set-up day), right through to Friday, 20th Sept (packing up day for Expo). To read more about the packages and to book your space, please complete this form by 30 May. Do you have any questions? Send an email to Rain Morgan rain@turqle.com 

Virtual Fashion Showcase
Join us for our virtual fashion showcase to feature your fashion products and share the inspiring story behind it with our global audience. Participation in this event is completely free of charge. We understand that not everyone may be able to attend the WFTO Summit, but we want to reassure you that you can still take part in this opportunity. If you’re interested in joining us for this showcase, please find all the details here! Submission deadline: 13 May. Do you have any questions? Send an email to Sarah@wfto.com 

MIDA Award
We are now accepting entries for our Mohammed Islam Design Award (MIDA). This year’s edition is about #BusinessRevolution. On top of your innovative design, you will get the chance to tell the story about your product, the makers, and your brand! To submit your entry, use the MIDA submission form. For more details about the contest, read the MIDA information here. Submission deadline: 30 June. Do you have any questions? Send an email to michael@wfto.com

Accommodation

WFTO has negotiated preferential rates at the following hotels, which are all situated a few steps away from Century City Conference Centre. Please use the relevant booking code when making your reservation.

Urban Square

Twin or Double rooms
Booking Code: WFTO

Bridgewater Hotel

Single rooms or couples sharing
Rates: €142.50 per night for two people sharing including breakfast
Booking Code: WFTO2024

Axis Luxury Apartments

Couples or family rooms
Rates: €135.00 per night for a two-bedroom apartment excluding breakfast
Breakfast can be added for €12.50 per person per day, but there is also a fully functional kitchen in each apartment Booking Code: WFTO2024
Please email Anschen le Roux, anschen.l@cchotels.co.za, if you have any questions regarding the accommodation
Register here to secure your spot!

Frequently Asked Questions

What language will the event be in?

All sessions will be in English. However, automated translations will be available for most sessions through the SpeakSee app for people attending the summit in person.

How do I get to the Century City Conference Centre?

More information on how to get to the venue can be found here.

Entry Requirements: Visas
To enter South Africa you might need a Tourist visa, depending on your nationality. Please check the requirements by following this link.
If you require a Visa letter, please email Pieter Swart, pieter@turqle.com, the following information:
  • Your full name and surname as stated in your passport
  • Passport number
  • Company name and address
  • Duration of your visit to South Africa
  • The country where you are applying for the South African Visa
Insurance

WFTO recommends that all international travellers purchase travel insurance prior to travelling to South Africa.

Accommodation
  • WFTO has negotiated preferential rates at the below hotels:

More information on the accommodation options can be found here.

Please use the relevant booking code when making your reservation.

Are tickets refundable?

Tickets are non-refundable if cancelled.

Sponsorship packages

Please email summit@wfto.com if you would like to become an official sponsor.

Media enquiries

Please send your requests to summit@wfto.com (interview requests, covering content at the event, or more information).

Co-host Turgle Trading

Turqle Trading

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

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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!

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.

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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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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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