A human chain for change, be an agent for change!

WFTO and its members celebrate World Fair Trade Day worldwide with human chains of Agents for Change. Come, be an agent for change and celebrate with us by forming a human chain!

14 May 2016 – Today, fair traders across the globe are forming human chains to celebrate World Fair Trade Day and to show the people who are making a difference, our Agents for Change.

We encourage all supporters, buyers and consumers of Fair Trade to form a human chain. This is our day to highlight Fair Trade as a tangible contribution in eradicating poverty and trade injustices, and as a tool for economic empowerment of the marginalised.

“The concept of Fair Trade and its principles create an enabling environment especially for those who have less power in the trading game. With more producers, workers, and their families empowered through Fair Trade, positive change is more achievable. On World Fair Trade Day, we go out and celebrate Fair Trade through a human chain to show the people who are working for change, our Agents for Change. You, as a supporter, buyer and consumer of Fair Trade, are also an Agent for Change. So join us and be one with us!” Rudi Dalvai, WFTO President.

WFTO members continue to lead this celebration. More than 350 organisations in over 70 countries across the globe are celebrating Fair Trade and forming human chains to show their Agents for Change.

“Here in the Karenni refugee camps on the Thai-Myanmar border, we celebrate Fair Trade because it empowers refugees who are displaced and torn apart by conflicts and wars. We show our producers, who are the very people making a difference in their lives and communities. They are our Agents for Change and we are proud to be part of a growing movement. We form a human chain in solidarity with fair traders and Fair Trade supporters around the world.” Mitos Urgel, WEAVE Thailand.

The Fair Trade Day is not only for fair traders. It is for everyone who believes in positive change through Fair Trade. We want you to make your own ‘human chain’ and use our app to spread your human chain photo among your social network.

Here’s how you can get involved:

1. Organise a World Fair Trade Day event.
2. In your event, include a human chain and take photos.
3. Download the World Fair Trade Day Android App from Google Play and start sharing your human chain photos from your smartphone on social media with hashtags #FairTradeDay #AgentForChange

Three simple steps and you help us spread the concept of Fair Trade and positive change.

Note to Editors:
The World Fair Trade Day is an initiative of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) that takes place on the second Saturday of May of each year. It is an inclusive worldwide festival of events celebrating Fair Trade as a tangible contribution to the fight against poverty and exploitation, climate change and the economic crisis that have the greatest impact on the world’s most vulnerable populations. The global crisis confirms the need for a fair and sustainable economy locally and globally. Trade must benefit the most vulnerable and deliver sustainable livelihoods by developing opportunities for small and disadvantaged producers. Millions of producers and traders, businesses and policy-makers, supporting organizations and volunteers have contributed to the substantial growth of Fair Trade globally.

For high resolution images, interviews and other queries, please contact WFTO Communications Coordinator Michael Sarcauga through email michael@wfto.com or give us a call +31345536487.