The global journey to introduce the IFAT Mark to the World

Global Journey - Mumbai

The world-wide launch of the FAIR TRADE ORGANISATION MARK took place at the World Social Forum at Mumbai, India in JANUARY 2004. This was the start of the Global Journey. The journey continued throughout India and is currently travelling through 60+ countries of the world; Asia, The Pacific Rim, Australasia, North and South America, Africa and Europe. With its beginnings in one of the poorest districts in Mumbai, members of the International Federation for Alternative Trade (IFAT) are carrying a banner all the way around the world. There is a message, which is being read out by well-known champions of Fair Trade as the banner is carried from country to country. Champions of Fair Trade Organizations are being photographed with the banner as it travels around the world. There is a supporting website that follows the journey http://www.ifat.org/globaljourney/

The message promotes the ideals of Fair Trade in supporting poor and marginalised producers and calling for greater equity in international trade. IFAT has over 200 members worldwide, from producers through to retailers. These members are carrying the banner on its global journey, on foot, by bicycle and by public transport. Fair Trade Organisations all over the world will be able to display the FAIR TRADE ORGANIZATION MARK, to show that they believe in the principles of Fair Trade. To learn more about IFAT go to www.ifat.org

Where in New Zealand did we celebrate the global journey?

Wellington...

"Global Journey Saturday in Wellington started with free fair trade coffee on offer outside the store, balloons floating around and fair traders in lycra suits. We marched down the road with the dancers in the front, then the banner, volunteers and supporters behind. The Fair Trade banner carried at the rear. With music going ballons and all the noise, we made quite an impact. In the Civic Square a PA system was set up, and Jo Priddle our Trust Chairperson read the Global message in Maori, then Paul Barber, also from our Trust, read the message in English. We then signed the banner. It sounded great being broadcast in booming tones in the square. After the photos we walked back to Cuba Mall and let all the balloons go"

and Christchurch...

where a crowd gathered to march through City Mall with the IFAT banner, followed by New Zealand's first fair trade fashion parade!

Read the media release for the Christchurch global journey event