Promotion of Equitable Trade Relations
Herne, a city in Germany's North Rhine-Westphalia region, has once again been recognised as a Fairtrade Town, renewing its commitment to promoting fair trade practices and global justice. This title, first awarded fourteen years ago, was recently confirmed for another two years, marking the city's continued dedication to this cause.
Mayor Dr. Frank Dudda expressed his delight with the title renewal, considering it a "beautiful testament to the sustainable integration of fair trade in Herne." Dr. Dudda, who is also proud that Herne is part of the international network of Fairtrade Towns, has expressed his intention to continue promoting fair trade at the local level and in the Ruhr region.
The Fair Week in Herne and Wanne-Eickel, an annual event in Fairtrade Town Herne, is being prepared from 12 to 26 September. This year's event, the 25th Fair Week, will have the motto "Fair trading - experiencing diversity!". Various educational institutions, churches, clubs, or companies can participate in the Fair Week, which aims to educate and raise awareness about fair trade and its importance.
Herne's involvement in the Fair Metropole Ruhr, a network of cities working together to embed fair trade principles in local policies, commerce, and civil society, plays a significant role in this commitment. The city has been part of this network for twelve years, contributing to a wider regional effort to expand Fairtrade Town engagements and initiatives focused on sustainability and fair trade.
Last year, 17 communal kindergartens in Herne were awarded "FairKita" status, and the Haranni Gymnasium became the third Fairtrade School in Herne. These achievements demonstrate the diverse commitment in the Fairtrade Town Herne.
Dr. Dudda, who considers the confirmation of the award a significant milestone, is not alone in his efforts. Markus Heißler, chairman of the steering group Fairtrade Town, is from the Fachstelle Eine Welt of the Evangelical Church Circle. These collaborative efforts have led to Herne being the thousandth city worldwide to receive this title, a testament to the city's global impact.
As an international Fairtrade Town, Herne advocates for fair trade and global justice. The city's ongoing commitment to fair trade is part of a collective regional strategy within Fair Metropole Ruhr to strengthen and expand fair trade practices and awareness across multiple cities, fostering a sustainable and equitable local economy aligned with Fairtrade Town principles.
[1] Fair Metropole Ruhr: [www.fairmetropole-ruhr.de](http://www.fairmetropole-ruhr.de) Fairtrade Town Herne: [www.fairhandelsstadt-herne.de](http://www.fairhandelsstadt-herne.de) Fairtrade Germany: [www.fairtrade.de](http://www.fairtrade.de)
- Recognizing the city's dedication to sustainable living, Mayor Dr. Frank Dudda emphasized the importance of integrating fair trade practices into Herne's lifestyle, remarking, "It's a beautiful testament to the sustainable integration of fair trade in Herne."
- To further promote sustainable-living and Fairtrade initiatives, Herne encourages participation from various home-and-garden associations in the upcoming Fair Week event, where attendees can learn about fair trade and its significance.
