Virtual event to launch documentary titled “Realized Empowerment through Fair Trade” followed by paper presentation and discussion on “Impact of Covid-19 on Nepalese SMEs”
The World Fair Trade Day (WFTD) is an initiative of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) that is celebrated every year on the 2nd Saturday of May. It is an inclusive worldwide festival of events celebrating Fair Trade as a tangible contribution to the fight against poverty and exploitation, climate change and the economic crisis that have the greatest impact on the world’s most vulnerable populations. 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, businesses and policy-makers, supporting organizations and volunteers have contributed to the substantial growth of Fair Trade globally. This year, the WFTD will be celebrated on 8th May around the theme, ““Build Back Fairer” calling for the transformation of the economy and trade system for a just and sustainable recovery from covid-19.
On the occasion of WFTD this year, Fair Trade Group (FTG) Nepal organized a virtual event to launch documentary titled “Realized Empowerment through Fair Trade” followed by paper presentation and discussion on “Impact of Covid-19 on Nepalese SMEs” on 8th May 2021, Saturday. The objective of the event was to promote Fair Trade and highlight the impact of Covid-19 on Nepalese SMEs and marginalized, women producers.
The program commenced with welcome remarks from Mr. Chitra Bahadur K.C., Chairperson, FTG Nepal, followed by which the documentary “Realized Empowerment through Fair Trade” was launched via the platform of YouTube; Dr. Sunil Chitrakar, Vice-Chairperson, FTG Nepal made a paper presentation on “Impact of Covid-19 on Nepalese SMEs”; followed by which there was an open discussion forum which was again moderated by Mr. Chitra Bahadur K.C. and Dr. Sunil Chitrakar; During the open discussion, representatives from member organizations, Federation and partners put forth their views and queries. Following this, Ms. Mitos Urgel, President, World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) Asia put forth her greetings on WFTD and her remarks- she specifically mentioned on how FTG Nepal has one of the largest gatherings on WFTD. The program came to an end with closing remarks from Mr. Kamal Narayan Shrestha, Secretary, FTG Nepal.
Over 90 participants from FTG Nepal’s Executive Committee, Members- their staff, producers and close circles, partner organizations, WFTO-Asia members, federation and commodity associations, secretariat and like-minded organization virtually via Zoom.