FAIR TRADE IN DIGITAL SERVICES
A new report explores how Fair Trade can play a key role in digital services. Launched today on the occasion of World Youth Skills Day, it looks at the many unfair and exploitative business practices prevailing in digital services, including the race-to-the-bottom price and wages, discriminatory algorithms, power disparities, lack of worker representation, disguised employment, insecure jobs and precarious working conditions. While the growth of digital services creates significant livelihood opportunities, the 10 Principles of Fair Trade are clearly important if the sector is to uphold human rights and become an inclusive force for good. The report was co-authored between WFTO and Digital Lions, a Guaranteed Fair Trade Enterprise and pioneer in deploying Fair Trade in digital services. The report is available via wfto.com/DigitalGoesFairTrade.
FAIR TRADE TOWNS IN FOCUS: THE COMMITTEE OF THE CITY OF QUITO FOR FAIR TRADE
Quito in Ecuador is one of the most inspiring examples of a Fair Trade Town. It was selected to host the next Fair Trade Towns Conference in 2021 and presents a model for Fair Trade grassroots campaigning that can truly benefit producers. We spoke to Luis Robles, Metropolitan Councilman at Quito to get insights about their challenges, hear their story of embracing the concept of Fair Trade Towns and to get advice for campaigners from around the world. Here is what Luis had to say.
SPOTLIGHT ON FAIR TRADE SHOPS: MANGO + MAIN, MARYLAND USA
This month, we are heading to Annapolis, Maryland in the USA to check out the Fair Trade shop Mango + Main. Just steps from the Maryland Statehouse, they sell handmade products from artisan groups from 25 different countries. Mango + Main follows the first Fair Trade shop spotlight we had in our first issue last month: Stuttgart and Frankfurt world shops (click here to view their video).
YOUNG EUROPEANS INVITED TO JOIN FIRST YOUNG FAIR TRADE ADVOCACY ACADEMY
The Young Fair Trade Advocacy Academy is a new initiative of the Fair Trade Advocacy Office, which will be running from September 2021 to April 2022. It aims to provide EU-based young adults with knowledge and tools to become advocates for sustainable and fair EU trade policies as well as for sustainable production and consumption at EU, regional and local level. More information is available here.
LAUNCHING BEYOND BEAUTIFUL
‘Beyond Beautiful’ is a curated collection of artisanal products from verified Fair Trade Enterprises around the world. It promotes the work and stories of global craftspeople providing a new sourcing opportunity for retailers and importers wishing to expand their Fair Trade offer. This collection is a ‘shop window’ which represents the broader community of Fair Trade Enterprises and the skills, sustainability and authenticity that are at their heart. From woodwork to ceramics, weaving to metalwork, basketry to embroidery, the initiative is underpinned by the skills of craft artisans. It includes 46 Fair Trade Enterprises from across the world to bring together products which embody beauty both in their form and in their essence. Check out the exceptional products from around the world through wfto.com/beyondbeautiful.