What is Fair Trade?
First National Conference on Fair Trade held in Bethlehem University

06 December 2007

“Fair Trade is a win-win-win-win strategy. It has four major advantages; it offers profit and growth, is good for the environment, is useful for the producer and consumer, and helps develop the economy.” Mario Carera, Head of Office for the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, said in his speech during the opening session of the “First National Conference on Fair Trade”.

The “First National Conference on Fair Trade” was organized for the first time by the Fair Trade Development Center (FTDC) - a unit of the Institute for Community Partnership (ICP) at Bethlehem University-  in Bethlehem University between November 30th and December 1st. Being the first of its kind in Palestine, the conference aimed at raising awareness about the fair trade movement and principles, and at joining together the efforts of Palestinian organizations advocating fair trade for the maximum benefit of the Palestinian producers and farmers.

The conference was opened by His Excellency Mr. Kamal Hassouneh, Palestinian Minister of National Economy and Brother Daniel Casey, Vice Chancellor of Bethlehem University, and Mr. Mario Carera, Head of Office for the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation – the strategic partner of FTDC and the main supporter to the conference. In his opening speech, His Excellency Minister Kamal Hassouneh confirmed the importance of holding this Conference, and spoke of the applications of fair trade in Palestine and the role it could play in developing the Palestinian economy. He also spoke of the importance of protecting children and women from exploitation in the labor market. Br. Daniel was also very supportive of the idea of this conference and congratulated the organizers on this important initiative. Drs. Moussa Rabadi, Director of the Institute for Community Partnership explained the goals of the conference and how this conference will allow participants to learn more about fair trade and network with representatives of local and international organizations.

The Conference attendees represented a wide base of Palestinian and international organizations that are proponents of the fair trade movement. International participants included the International Fair Trade Association (IFAT), OXFAM GB, Catholic Relief Services, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, and others. Local organizations included; the Palestinian Farmers Union, Union of Olive Oil Cooperatives, Union of Agricultural Work Committees, Birzeit University Centre for Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Palestinian Oil Council, Palestinian Agricultural Relief Committees, and the Alternative Tourism Group.

The topics discussed at the Conference were categorized in three sessions; “the Fair Trade Movement and Palestine: Development and Challenges”, “Fair Trade Applications in Palestinian Sectors”, and “the Fair Trade Movement in Palestine and the Arab Countries – A Strategic Vision”. In the conclusion session, suggestions were solicited from participants in order to formulate future plans.