About the Forum
In 2006, then-First Minister Jack McConnell announced a set of criteria, drawn up in cooperation with the Welsh National Assembly, for Scotland to work toward to become one of the world's first Fair Trade Nations.
This high-level recognition of the importance of Fair Trade was a major catalyst in enabling the Scottish Fair Trade Forum to be established in 2007.
Our vision is to work to help make Scotland a nation which is a global leader in challenging global poverty and recognises the dignity and rights of producers through a commitment to fairness in international trading.
We are an independent body with membership open to any individual or organisation interested in meaningfully promoting Fair Trade in Scotland. We aim for a membership base that reflects the diversity of Scottish society - an essential part of becoming a Fair Trade Nation.
Our aims are:
1. To meet the criteria for Fair Trade Nation status.
2. To integrate Fair Trade principles into decision-making and
procedures at all levels of government in Scotland.
3. To encourage the business community to integrate Fair Trade
principles and corporate accountability into all aspects of their
business, and to encourage the growth of the (Fair Trade sector)
in Scotland.
4. To develop and enable strategic partnerships with communities
and activists.
5. To engage the broader public in Scotland’s Fair Trade Nation
campaign by raising awareness and encouraging understanding
of the role of Fair Trade in creating a more sustainable world.
For a full list of the Fair Trade Nation criteria, please follow this link: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/News-Extras/fair-trade
To see the press release which followed Jack McConnell's announcement of the Fair Trade Nation campaign, please follow this link: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2006/07/03112221
