In an era marked by increasing global interconnectedness, the imperative to foster sustainable and Fair Trade practices is more critical than ever. This session aims to transcend rhetoric and cultivate actionable commitments towards the development of inclusive policies that champion sustainable and fair trade. Discussions will be rooted in the frontline experiences of those directly impacted by trade practices, several producers’ representatives will be asked to provide input on the specific questions this session should address. The Fairtrade producer will kick off the session by stating, from a producer perspective, what is wrong with current trade systems and explain how the general debate should be centred around three key aspects: cost of change, empowering marginalized communities, and cross-sector partnerships.

The agenda unfolds with a pivotal exploration of the inadequacies within the current trade system through the lens of Fair Trade principles. Drawing from the voices of Fairtrade producers, this session will scrutinize existing gaps and identify the missing components that hinder the attainment of a truly fair and equitable global trade landscape. Key considerations will be addressed, including living incomes, living wages, fair purchasing practices, and the prohibition of selling below the cost of sustainable production. The aim is to initiate a candid dialogue surrounding the essential elements that should constitute the backbone of a more fair and sustainable trade framework.

The event's overarching goal is to move beyond theoretical discussions and initiate a collective commitment towards actionable steps for change. By integrating the perspectives of Fairtrade producers, industry experts, and government representatives, the session aspires to create a roadmap for the development of policies that genuinely reflect shared responsibility. The insights gleaned from this forum will not only inform the ongoing discourse on fair trade practices but also serve as a catalyst for tangible and impactful change. In a world where the consequences of trade practices ripple across borders, the imperative to build inclusive policies for sustainable and Fair Trade has never been more urgent, and this event stands as a beacon for those ready to embark on this transformative journey.