On September 20, 2024, the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) reelected Fair Trade Federation (FTF) Executive Director Chris Solt as their Pacific Representative for a second term on the WFTO’s Global Board.
“Global trade, the commercial marketplace, and the fair trade landscape have seen significant shifts in the last 10 years. Bold innovation is needed to keep Fair Trade Enterprises – one of the best solutions for consumers to express their values – relevant and connected to a new generation of consumers that are increasingly demanding that the food they consume and the products they buy do not negatively impact people and the planet. I am honored, humbled, and excited to represent the voices of producers, farmers, networks, co-ops, and fair trade enterprises in this role on the WFTO Board, an impressive group of young and diverse fair trade professionals that I respect deeply.” – Chris Solt, FTF Executive Director.
Chris joins the board along with other newly-elected board members: Selyna Peiris, Jette Ladiges, Chris Solt, Sunil Chitrakar, Caterina Occhio*, Manoarivelo Sariaka Falianja, Sugel Chavez Ugarte, and Swapan Das. The WFTO has elected Sophie Tack as their new president. In her first message, Sophie shared: “Today rising inequalities and environmental degradation are the norm. That is why an organization such as the WFTO is so much needed, a #GlobalMovement of Fair Trade Enterprises acting as a catalyst for positive impact. I am honored to have been elected as president by the membership and I am looking forward to working with this new group of leaders to take Fair Trade to its next level.”
The elections took place during the WFTO’s 17th International Fair Trade Summit in Cape Town, South Africa where over 200 WFTO members and fair trade advocates gathered last month. The Summit was a testament to the vibrancy and power of fair trade enterprises to transform the global trade landscape. The sessions and speakers were very diverse and engaging, and challenged attendees to think about the needs of the future while addressing topics like equity, gender inclusivity, and market adaptability.
The Fair Trade Federation is a proud network member of the WFTO. For more information about the WFTO board elections visit the WFTO announcement on LinkedIn.
(*not pictured in the group photo)
