International Fair Trade Towns Conference

9th International Fair Trade Towns Conference

The first major Conference on the Bristol Green Capital programme has opened for bookings. On the 4th and 5th of July 2015, Bristol will host the 9th International Fair Trade Towns Conference, welcoming up to 400 delegates from across the world to explore the theme ‘Fair Trade For Sustainability’.

Demonstrating the strong relationship between Fair Trade and the green agenda, some of the key leaders in the movement, alongside a Fairtrade Gold miner from Africa, will provide new insights into how Fair Trade works to protect the environment. This includes support provided to farmers to adapt to the effects of climate change and develop sustainable farming methods, as well as analysis of the post-2015 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Delegates will also have the opportunity to take part in a ‘Green Capital Day’, revealing how Bristol won the award by exploring the city’s green spaces and buildings on foot and by boat. Demonstrating the highest standards of sustainability, the Conference will be held at At-Bristol due to its cutting-edge environmentally friendly credentials. Public transport will be used whenever possible and food will be sourced from FareShare South West.

Bristol’s Mayor, George Ferguson said:

“I am absolutely delighted that Bristol has been chosen to host the International Fairtrade Towns Conference in 2015. The city has a long history of supporting ethical and sustainable trade… something which I fervently support.”

The majority of those attending are expected to come from Europe, with the US, Japan and Brazil amongst the wider emerging Fairtrade markets expected to be represented.

Bristol and South West Fairtrade Coordinator, Jenny Foster, said:

"The 9th International Fair Trade Towns Conference in Bristol will be the best yet. As well as Bristol being the 2015 European Green Capital, it’s also our 10 Year Anniversary as a Fairtrade City. Bristol has taken the lead in highlighting the importance of the fair and green agenda and how both aspects are of crucial importance to resilience and sustainability."

Full details of the Conference and booking details are here: www.bristolfairtrade.org.uk