World Fair Trade Day 2012

Fair Trade will be celebrated on 12 May 2012 in diverse places and cultures across the globe. Various events are organized in more than 70 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America and Pacific Rim. Leading the celebration are members of the World Fair Trade Organizations (WFTO) that have pioneered Fair Trade for more than five decades.

The World Fair Trade Day is an initiative of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) that takes place on 12 May 2012. It is a worldwide festival of events celebrating Fair Trade as a tangible contribution to the fight against poverty, climate change and the economic crisis that has the greatest impact on the world’s most vulnerable populations. A third of the world’s population lives on less than two dollars a day. The global crisis confirms the need for a fair and sustainable economy locally and globally. Trade must benefit the most vulnerable and deliver sustainable livelihoods by developing opportunities for small and disadvantaged producers. Millions of producers and traders, business and policy makers, supporting organizations and volunteers have contributed to the substantial growth of Fair Trade.

Fair Trade makes a change. Fair Trade Organizations are pioneers and change makers.

Fair Trade producers, their organizations, local and international marketing organizations, exporters, importers, wholesalers, retailers, volunteers and citizens will celebrate Fair Trade in diverse events worldwide. On the frontlines are women, indigenous peoples, artisans, farmers and workers, who give testimony of the benefit of Fair Trade in their lives, a good reason to go out and celebrate World Fair Trade Day. … Full statement can be found at www.WFTDay.com

Mongolia, Mary & Martha and Fair Trade. 

Mary & Martha Mongolia is the only Fair Trade Registered organisation in Mongolia. M+M became a member of WFTO in January 2011 after demonstrating 3 year’s of business following the 10 Fair Trade Principles (See http://www.wfto.com).  M+M focuses on helping Mongolian citizens develop they micro and small businesses into larger sustainable businesses. The focus is on high quality Hand Crafted products in Silk, Felt, Embroidered Materials, Leather, Hand Knitted products in exotic yarns, Yak and Camel Yarn direct from the Herders, a wide range of Jewellery as well as Recycled Materials.  M+M works with over 120 artisans represented by 21 Cooperatives, NGO Projects, Companies and Individuals from over 7 Aimags in Mongolia.

Mary & Martha form long term relationships with artisans, developing their business skills, improving their product design and showing them more effective ways of making their products. M+M sells Artisan’s products in UB and exports to over 9 countries around the world.  M+M give orders to artisans all year round and buy all products on delivery – our artisans do not have to wait for products to sell before they are paid as is the normal practice for most shops in Mongolia.  Artisans working with M+M for more than 4 years have seen their businesses grow at least ten fold and all have seen their life situations change positively.

Currently M+M are supporting the UN initiative of 2012 “International Year of Cooperatives” – representing Cooperatives from Arkhangai, Tov and Selenge Aimags.