Trade Justice

The global trade system is not neutral. Constructed during the second half of the 20th century, trade rules tend to support the interests of the major trading nations and corporations of that era, while the priorities of the South and the global 99% have routinely been sidelined. Today, while the system can impact us all, affecting our climate, jobs, work conditions, public services and the supply and prices of essential goods, the systematic exclusion of Southern countries from the top-table of trade decision-making has caused Southern perspectives and interests to be sidelined. In this panel we invite eminent speakers from three continents to reflect on these challenges, presenting their perspectives on the trade system, and sharing their priorities for change.

The Fair Trade Advocacy Office speaks out on behalf of the Fair Trade Movement for Fair Trade and Trade Justice, aiming to improve the livelihoods of marginalised producers and workers in the global South. It plays a key role in spearheading the global Fair Trade movement’s political and advocacy agenda. It catalyses collaboration within the international Fair Trade movement on policy, advocacy and campaigning activity; facilitates knowledge co-creation and sharing on Fair Trade policies and practices; and leads advocacy work on European Union legislation, policies and their implementation.