About Fairtrade International
Fairtrade International works to share the benefits of trade more equally – through standards, certification, producer support, programmes and advocacy.
Founded in 1997, Fairtrade International is a non-profit, multi-stakeholder association of 22 member organisations – three producer networks and 19 national Fairtrade organisations.
Fairtrade International coordinates activities for its member organisations and owns the FAIRTRADE Mark, a registered trademark of Fairtrade that appears on more than 30,000 products. Fairtrade International employs about 70 staff members at its central offices in Bonn, Germany.
All system members and certified producer organisations participate in Fairtrade International’s decision-making through representatives on the Board of Directors and the Fairtrade General Assembly. (LINK TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS PAGE)
Our mission
Our mission is to connect disadvantaged producers and consumers, promote fairer trading conditions and empower producers to combat poverty, strengthen their position and take more control over their lives.
Our vision
Fairtrade’s vision is a world in which all producers can enjoy secure and sustainable livelihoods, fulfil their potential and decide on their future.
We believe that trade can be a fundamental driver of poverty reduction and greater sustainable development, but only if it is managed for that purpose, with greater equity and transparency than is currently the norm.
We believe that people can overcome disadvantage and marginalization if they are empowered to take more control over their work and their lives, if they are better organized, resourced and supported, and can secure access to mainstream markets under fair trading conditions.
We also believe that people, businesses and civil society institutions in the developed world are supportive of trading in this way. This is particularly the case when they understand the needs of producers and the opportunities that Fairtrade offers to change and improve their situation.
Our work is driven by informed consumer choices, and the desire of business to meet the expectations of their customers, both of which provide crucial support for wider campaigning to reform international trade rules and create a fairer economic system.
Leadership
Sandra Uwera, Fairtrade Global CEO
Sandra joined the Fairtrade system as Global CEO in April 2022. She previously served as CEO of COMESA Business Council (CBC), the leading Business Member Organization in Africa and a private sector institution of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), which represents 34 business sectors across 21 countries. Her experience includes sustainable solutions for small and medium enterprises, advocacy, technical capacity-building, industry competitiveness and market access, digital financial inclusion, and programs focused on women and youth empowerment. Sandra is a Rwandan national. She grew up in both Kenya and Rwanda, speaks French and is fluent in English. She holds a Master of Science (MSc) in Strategic Planning, a Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communications, and has undertaken advanced professional training in international trade policy and law, digital inclusion, and leadership for business sustainability. She is an Eisenhower fellow and sits on various Boards in Africa and internationally.
Melissa Duncan, Fairtrade International Executive Director
Melissa has served on the Fairtrade International Board since 2015 and was elected as Treasurer in 2017 and Vice Chair in 2020. She was appointed Executive Director of Fairtrade International in 2021. Prior to joining Fairtrade International, Melissa also worked for a leading Fair Trade organization and development charity in the United Kingdom and served as a Trustee and Vice Chair of the UK-based Fairtrade Foundation. Most recently, she was appointed to the Board of Shared Interest, an impact investment non-profit with a global focus on empowering workers through fair trade initiatives. In addition to her leadership work in the ethical trade movement, Melissa has also built a 20-year career in marketing and communications, spanning both corporate and charity sectors, including WHSmith plc, where she was Head of Communications, and professional experiences in East Asia. Melissa holds an MBA from Cranfield University. She is a United States citizen and a resident of the United Kingdom.
