This is the first time the International Fair Trade Towns Conference has come to Scotland.
Campaigners, businesses, and community leaders from across the world will gather in Edinburgh this weekend for a global gathering of Fair Trade communities.
The International Fair Trade Towns Conference 2025, brings together delegates from more than 25 countries to share ideas, inspire action, and strengthen the global Fair Trade movement.
The event, themed “Your Town, Our World: Fair Trade Communities & Local Action to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals”, will take place from 29 – 31 August at the University of Edinburgh’s Kings Buildings Campus and marks the first time Scotland has hosted the conference.
Scotland renewed its Fair Trade Nation status earlier this year, which recognises its commitment to ethical consumption, support for producers in the Global South, and community-led campaigning to create a fairer economy.
Hosting the conference is seen as both a celebration of this progress and a rallying call for renewed action.
Louise Davies, Chief Executive of Scottish Fair Trade, said: “At a time when global solidarity is wavering in so many places, this conference is a powerful reminder that people and communities still care deeply about justice, fairness, and our shared future.
“Welcoming campaigners from around the world to Scotland is an opportunity to share ideas, learn from each other’s successes, and return home with fresh energy to tackle the challenges ahead. It’s a moment of hope, and we need that more than ever.”
Delegates from Fair Trade Towns across the world will come together to share ideas and discuss how their activities further the SDGs.
Hyeojin An, co-ordinator of Fair Trade Towns Korea, said: “This will be my first time attending the International Fair Trade Towns Conference, and I see it as an opportunity to open doors to new possibilities. I hope to gain a clear view of the present and future of the global Fair Trade Towns movement and use those insights to strengthen the campaign in Korea.
“I am eager to connect with fellow national coordinators to sustain and grow the movement worldwide. I look forward to gathering fresh ideas from diverse regions through this conference.”
The programme will include keynote speeches, hackathons, a reception at Edinburgh City Chambers and visits to Fair Trade businesses in Scotland, showcasing how local action can drive international change.
Lena van der Kamp from Fairtrade Germany, said: “I’m attending the International Fair Trade Towns Conference in Edinburgh because it brings together people from all over the world who are committed to fairness and sustainability, and especially highlights the vital role of young people in driving change. The conference is a powerful opportunity to connect with passionate campaigners from around the world and to strengthen the global Fair Trade movement through shared ideas, energy, and collaboration.”
