Environmental impacts of international trade and food systems, rising inequalities at global level, human rights abuses and extreme poverty along our supply chains, adverse impacts of fast fashion, trade agreements, unsustainable consumerism or intensive farming…These are all topics that are at the frontline of citizens’ attention and media scrutiny within the European Union.
Whereas many social dynamics such as numerous climate strikes and demonstrations or boycotts initiatives are already shaping policy discussions, we believe that most citizens, especially youth, still lack concrete tools and opportunities to engage properly at the European Union decision-making level where processes and discussions are too often perceived as unreachable, highly technical and complex. At FTAO, we believe young people are key actors to rethink our system and accelerate the paradigm shift towards more sustainable trading and consumption patterns.
We aim to unlock this great potential by building a bridge between them and EU policymakers and stakeholders. In this context, the Fair Trade Advocacy Office is proud to launch a brand new programme : the Young Fair Trade Advocates !