International Fair Trade Summit 2024

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Tue 17 Sep

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Fri 20 Sep
2024

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!

Programme:

Day 0 & 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4

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

Manpreet Kalra

Manpreet Kalra

Rain Morgan

Rain Morgan

Izabela Ersahin

Izabela Ersahin

Aloysius Thebeetsile Ikalafeng

Aloysius Thebeetsile Ikalafeng

Hisham El Gazzar

Hisham El Gazzar

Pieter Swart

Pieter Swart

Sixolile Ngcobo

Sixolile Ngcobo

Roopa Mehta

Roopa Mehta

Fredrick Masinde Oyange

Fredrick Masinde Oyange

Musa Mpofu

Musa Mpofu

Lamiaa Melegui

Lamiaa Melegui

Ronny Hermosa

Ronny Hermosa

Diana Muñoz

Diana Muñoz

Robert Roberts

Robert Roberts

Amanda Kiessel

Amanda Kiessel

Zinhle F Ndlovu

Zinhle F Ndlovu

Benoit Berger

Benoit Berger

Noel Oettle

Noel Oettle

Jackie May

Jackie May

Sally Seddon

Sally Seddon

Jette Ladiges

Jette Ladiges

Tsehaye Fiseha

Tsehaye Fiseha

Christine Gent

Christine Gent

Selyna Peiris

Selyna Peiris

Rachid Doufene

Rachid Doufene

Mitos Urgel

Mitos Urgel

Luke Metelerkamp

Luke Metelerkamp

Nele Brewaeys

Nele Brewaeys

Tickets:

In-person: Cape Town

In-person: Cape Town
PRICE
Full Summit including lunch & dinner (excluding accommodation)
€ 450
Daily Rate: 17 – 19 September incl. lunch & dinner (Day 1 OR Day 2 OR Day 3)*
€ 125
Virtual: Live streaming of the plenary sessions and hybrid workshops only
PRICE
17-19 September (All 3 Days)
€ 50

Sponsor:

Ukuva iAfrica is a proud sponsor of the summit.

Ukuva iAfrica is a true heart project from Cape Town, South Africa, that supplies sauces and spices. The products are produced by people from South Africa using raw materials from the country and incorporating the art of the culture. Ukuva iAfrica was founded in 1996 by a chef who traveled through Africa and, in his enthusiasm for the culture, country, and people, collected various recipes from across the continent. The various spice mixtures and sauces differ not only in their taste, but also in their very own story. Behind each of the product names there is a meaning, a special adventure, a special event or a certain thought. Ukuva iAfrica tells tasty stories that touch. And what touches can make a difference.

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.

Century City Conference Centre Floor Plan

View the floor plan of the venue 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

There are still 2-bed apartments available at Axis Luxury Apartments. Please email Anschen le Roux, reservations@cchotels.co.za, if you have any questions regarding the accommodation or would like to book a single room. Rates are subject to availability at the time of booking.

Cape Town Guide & Tours

If you are attending the summit in person, feel free to view this video and read this guide that details more information about the city of Cape Town. Book a rewarding Fair Trade Tourism holiday while in South Africa by reaching out to experienced tour operators and travel agents. Feel free to view suggested Cape Town activities here that can be booked directly through Sisonke Tours.

Strides For Africa: 4th Annual Walkathon

WFTO Africa & Middle East invites delegates participating in the summit in Cape Town and delegates participating in the Fair Trade Towns Conference in Paarl to join them on the 21st of September in a sustainable lifestyle networking Walkathon. Along the 5.2 km walk, engage with local business owners and conscious consumers as you take in the beautiful Paarl scenery. Participants receive a free t-shirt and goodie bag. Register here. Feel free to view more information here.

Are tickets refundable?

Tickets are non-refundable if cancelled.

Sponsorship packages

We are seeking sponsorships for our summit which enables us to offer an affordable registration fee to our members and other interested participants, many of whom will find it difficult to participate due to financial and economic challenges. This funding will assist us to increase the participation and attendance in Cape Town. Therefore, we have created different sponsorship packages with the aim to make this Summit successful and inclusive. Read more here on the packages. Would you like to become an official sponsor? Send an email to summit@wfto.com

Press release & media enquiries

Feel free to read our latest press release here and send any media requests to summit@wfto.com.

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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.

Become an Impact Ally

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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