We are blinded by low prices. Changing trends and invented novelties dazzle us and make us lose perspective. Do we have balanced consumption patterns? Hardly. Our purchases are often compulsive and do not take into account the values that we should associate with ethical and sustainable production: decent wages, working conditions, their environmental impact, …
Contributing to global sustainable development can be done from different perspectives and fair trade is one of them. The implementation of production and marketing principles based on cooperation, the establishment of solidarity-based trade relations and environmental sustainability is one of the most effective ways of creating a new, more sustainable and equitable model of global development.
Fair Trade and SDGs: a necessary alliance
Although we may think otherwise, growth must not be exclusively economic, it must encompass human, personal, social and ecological aspects. This approach is shared by both the principles of fair trade and the Sustainable Development Goals approved by the UN in September 2015. The 17 ODS and 169 targets set out a guide to what global development should be by 2030. The 2030 agenda aims to mark a commitment by all countries and actors involved in achieving these goals.
In order to achieve these measures and reduce the scandalous figures of poverty and inequality between societies, the SDGs propose working along various strategic lines. Fair trade, born in the 1960s, is today a commercial alternative that is present in more than 70 countries. The application of its principles contributes to the advancement of this new development agenda marked by the United Nations, and shares with it not only its purpose but also its integral perspective.
Why is fair trade so important for achieving the SDGs?
Fair Trade responds to many of the challenges posed globally by the SDGs. Prior to the adoption of these, fair trade associations were already working along similar lines to those subsequently established by Agenda 2030: a multi-dimensional approach, strategic alliances, environmental awareness or decent working conditions were some of them. The SDGs renamed them but the principles remain the same
Contributions of fair trade to the Sustainable Development Goals:
– SDG 1: Eradicate poverty in all its forms worldwide.
To achieve this Goal, economic growth must be inclusive, with sustainable jobs that promote equality. The work of small-scale producers, agricultural workers and artisans represents a fragile link in the production chain. Promoting fair trade will strengthen these impoverished communities by helping to achieve social equality.
– SDG 2: Ending hunger, achieving food security and better nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture
It is estimated that nearly 500 million small farms, most of which are still rain-fed, provide 80% of the food consumed in much of the developing world. Investing in small farmers is an important way to increase food security and nutrition for the poorest.
– SDG 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
7 out of 10 poor people are women. Achieving gender equality and empowering women is an integral part of each of the 17 SPOs. Ensuring that the rights of women and girls are respected is the only way to obtain justice, achieve inclusion and achieve economies that benefit all people.
– SDG 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all
Achieving sustainable economic development will only be possible with the implementation of economic policies that are oriented towards entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation. The promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises as well as microenterprises will allow the creation of quality jobs without harming the environment.
– SDG 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Fair trade works with parameters that prevent the deterioration of the natural environment. One of the objectives of this section is to “achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources”, practices that guarantee small producers and local craftsmen. It also allows developing countries to strengthen their capacities to achieve more sustainable consumption and production patterns.
– SDG 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its effects
Small agricultural producers are the first to be affected by dramatic climate changes. Desertification, deforestation and the degradation of ecosystems have a negative impact on the economy, the lives of people and local communities whose livelihoods are threatened.
Commitment to the SDG is not an obligation, but an opportunity to create wealth and generate profitability that goes beyond the economic. In the end, it is consumers who must be involved in this global partnership. Our purchasing decision should be linked to the acquisition of products and services with values.
Other paths are possible and it is in our hands to achieve these objectives.
Rosario has communication in her veins. With more than 10 years of experience and training in communication, Rosario has worked with various NGOs and non-profit foundations in the development of their communication strategies.
Currently, in addition to working with the Ronald McDonald House in Valencia, Rosario generates valuable content for online communication with digital content that generates trust, authority and brand identity through her project RF Comunicación.