The University

Coventry University is hosting the first ever international youth conference on Fair Trade in October.

Entitled “Youth for Fair Trade” the two day conference is open to young people aged between 18 - 25 and will be focussing on a variety of topics on the Fair Trade issue with a number of interesting and inspiring guest speakers.

The conference, which has been co-funded by the Department for International Development, the Co-operative and Coventry University, will appeal to young people who want to know more about the struggle towards a fairer trading world.

It is expected that delegates from all over the world will be coming to Coventry to take part in the conference, especially those interested in the topic enough to want to make a difference by trying to influence the leaders of the world’s nations and companies.

As this is the first conference of its kind, the programme is packed with workshops and opportunities to learn more about Fair Trade and how there is still a long way to go before producers and suppliers of goods in poorer parts of the world get a fair price for their produce.

Most of the workshops are taking place at Coventry University with other elements taking place within the Cathedral, Coventry University Students’ Union and The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum.

One of the organisers of the event, David Williams, from Coventry Cathedral, said:

“We are very excited to be hosting the first event of its kind on Fair Trade. The age group we are aiming this conference at are the ones that are most likely to take up the cause and do something constructive about raising awareness of this issue. The young people of today can do a lot to keep this issue in the public arena and on the top of future political agendas.

“We are grateful for the support we have had from DFID, The Co-operative and of course, Coventry University. Without their assistance, it would not have been possible to organise something on this scale. If it proves to be a success, we hope it will be the start of a regular Youth for Fair Trade event.”

The programme for the conference includes Barbara Crowther, Director of Communications, Fairtrade Foundation, John Hilary, Executive Director of War on Want, and a live satellite link up with Fair Trade cocoa producers from Ghana, Kuapa Kokoo Co-operative.

There will also be a number of representatives and presentations from Trading Visions, People & Planet and Fair Trade films.

Ben Bilverstone, the Chairperson of the Youth for Fair Trade Executive Committee said:

“Although the subject area of Fair Trade is an important issue, there will be lots of fun-packed activity over the course of the weekend. This includes a drumming workshop and sessions on how to be creative when organising a campaign.

“The whole conference is not only meant to be an opportunity to learn about the world's current situation but how delegates from all over the world can meet and set up joint projects and hopefully forge lifelong friendships.

“We are hoping that the event will encourage the delegates to come up with ideas and campaigns that will help them to help others. The weekend is packed full of speakers, workshops and films to inform and inspire.”

-Ends-

For further information please contact, David Williams, Centre for Reconciliation, Coventry Cathedral on 024 7652 1265 or Ben Bilverstone on 07851 488 382.

To find out more about the conference and to apply for a place log on to http://www.tr.im/y4ft2009