The town of Paarl in the Western Cape will this weekend welcome the 17th Fair Trade Cities and Towns International Conference. Under the theme “Cultivating equitable economies”, this landmark event will be the first Fair Trade Cities and Towns International Conference held in Africa, attracting up to 150 participants from across the globe.
Drakenstein Municipality, the conference host, has a notable history with fair trade. In 2020, it became the first town in Southern Africa to self-declare as a Fair Trade City, joining the ranks as the fourth Fair Trade city on the continent.
This declaration underscored the municipality’s commitment to supporting goods produced under fair labour practices and environmentally sustainable and ethical production processes. In 2023, Drakenstein was honoured with the selection to host this prestigious event, showcasing its successful implementation of Fair Trade principles and practices.
The conference opens on Friday, 20 September, with a diverse range of activities. The core of the event will be held at Nederburg wine farm’s Graue Hall, starting with an official opening ceremony.
Stephen Korabie, executive mayor of Drakenstein Municipality, will deliver the opening address, followed by supportive messages from distinguished international figures such as Roopa Mehta, president of the World Fair Trade Organisation, and Isaac Tongola, executive director of Fairtrade Africa.
Saturday, 21 September, will continue the momentum with a busy agenda, including the Strides For Africa Walkathon at Paarl Arboretum.
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Key discussions will explore how sustainability movements can enhance African economies, featuring insights from, amongst other panellists, Vuyisa Qabaka of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The breakaway sessions will focus on various aspects of fair trade, with contributions from international experts like Bernard Outah from Kenya and Elke De Sagher from Belgium.
The conference will also feature a whisky tasting at James Sedgwick Whisky and an evening excursion at Chippa’s Place, both in Wellington, blending professional discourse with local culture.
The final day, Sunday, 22 September, will highlight critical topics such as sustainable market spaces, with presentations from Ralf Mützel, head of the sustainability office in Neumarkt, who has a partnership with Drakenstein Municipality. The closing ceremony will announce the location of the next conference, ensuring continued momentum for the fair trade movement.
Global Fair Trade experts to tackle key issues
Organisers say the 17th Fair Trade Cities and Towns International Conference, featuring Food For Mzansi co-founder and editor-in-chief Ivor Price as master of ceremonies, is set to explore a wide range of topics critical to fair trade and sustainable development.
“As a leading voice in agriculture and rural development, we are excited to help amplify the global dialogue on fair trade and sustainable practices,” Price said.
“This partnership with Drakenstein Municipality aligns with our mission to spotlight initiatives that empower communities, uplift people, and promote sustainability across Africa. Through our coverage, we aim to showcase the inspiring stories and transformative work being done to build fair trade cities and towns worldwide.”
These include the economic impact of ethical production, the role of Fair Trade in advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, and best practices for cities and towns embracing sustainability agendas. Experts will also delve into building equitable economies through ethical supply chains, fostering international partnerships, and the role of local governments in promoting fair labour and environmentally responsible practices.
Aligned with Drakenstein Municipality’s integrated development plan, which supports the Sustainable Development Goals, the three-day event aims to highlight the benefits of adopting sustainability agendas. It will provide a platform for sharing best practices, building stakeholder partnerships, and generating local economic development through fair trade initiatives.
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