Sri Lanka Embassy in Brussels participated at the European Parliament ‘Fair-Trade Breakfast-2024’, on 13th November 2024, highlighting Sri Lanka as one of the best ethical and sustainable sourcing destinations in the world.
The event was organized by the ‘Fair Trade Advocacy’ Office in Belgium and hosted by the European Parliament's ‘Fair Trade Working Group’ and its Chair, Hon. Bernd Lange, a Member of the European Parliament. The Embassy with the support of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) participated this event, as a special guest. A cross section of fair trade products manufactured by a number of Sri Lankan Faire-trade certified companies were showcased at this event, including tea, spices, coconut-based products and toys.
Ambassador Chandana Weerasena made a speech at the event giving a brief introduction to the background of the diverse range of fair trade products in Sri Lanka, current development in the fair trade sector while highlighting the challenges faced by the sector. Further, on behalf of Sri Lankan stakeholders, Ambassador pointed out key areas that Sri Lanka needs support from relevant EU institutions and international fair trade organizations.
Mr. Jorge Conesa de Lara, Managing Director at the Fair Trade Advocacy Office highlighted that securing fair trade structures based on mutually beneficial collaboration with producers, farming communities and partner countries must be central to the process when entering legislation to advance sustainable development.
Ms. Juliana Asiedu, a young producer from the Offinso Fine Flavour Cooperative Cocoa Farmers and Marketing Society Limited highlighted the urgent need for greater support to help farmers adapt to climate change, urging policymakers to place farming communities at the heart of decision-making. Ms. Caterina Occhio, founder of SeeMe, a fair trade verified jewelry brand, whose extensive work promoting gender equality through ethical and fair trade practices demonstrated how these efforts not only contribute to global justice but also transform the lives of producers.
Mr. Olivier De Schutter, the UN Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights, and Co-chair of IPES-Food was also among the distinguished guests. Further, a number of MEPs from the European Parliament, a large number of members from International and European Fair-Trade Networks, Civil Society Organizations, and other Missions to the European Union also joined the event.
