The International Fair Trade Towns Conference is an event that brings together campaigners, organisations, enterprises and communities from around the world to plan together to strengthen the global fair trade movement.
The theme for the conference this year is Your Town, Our World – Fair Trade Communities & Local Action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
- Full and interesting programme of speakers and activities
- Social activities planned and an opportunity to experience Scottish culture
- Advance the global Fair Trade movement toward a more equitable and sustainable future, where trade serves both people and the planet.
Join us in Edinburgh
This 18th International Fair Trade Towns Conference will take place in Edinburgh, Scotland, from Saturday 30 August to Sunday 31 August 2025. We’ll begin with an evening welcome reception planned for Friday 29 August.
Hosted at The Nucleus Building at the University of Edinburgh’s King’s Buildings Campus, the conference programme is full and aims to meet the following goals:
- To bring together local and global stakeholders committed to sustainability and wellbeing to highlight Fair Trade’s role in the drive for sustainable development and a new economy
- To share stories that exemplify local action for global change from local Fair Trade procurement, enterprise, political support and campaigning to global trade justice
- To platform Fair Trade Nation status as a grassroots campaign that can leverage a local and national commitment to the global goal of fairness, equity and sustainability
There is an additional programme of social events and trips organised to give you an insight into the culture and natural beauty of Scotland; as well as Scotland’s commitment to Fair Trade.
FAQs
When is the conference?
The conference will begin with a social event at Edinburgh’s City Chambers on the evening of Friday 29 August 2025 at 7pm. The official conference programme runs from around 9:00am – 5:00pm, Saturday 30 to Sunday 31 August 2025.
We also have an additional social trip planned for Monday 1 September 2025.
where can i find accommodation?
All attendees are responsible for the costs of their own accommodation, but there are many places to stay across Edinburgh. We have put together a few options available through the University of Edinburgh and elsewhere. Find more information about where to stay.
If you are having trouble booking accommodation, please let us know.
is there a charge to attend the conference?
Attendees joining us from high income countries are asked to pay £15 (£7.50 / day). For attendees joining from low and middle income countries, the conference is free. Free tickets are available for speakers, contributors and students / young people (aged 14-28).
If you would like to attend but you are unable to pay the cost for high income country attendees, please get in touch.
i would like to attend but am unable to pay the fee – what are the options?
Ticket fees are based on your country of origin, so please check if you are already entitled to a free ticket before contacting us. We have an inclusivity fund for people who would like to attend but are unable to pay the £15 / £7.50 fee. Email us on ifttc@scottishfairtrade.org and we will consider all applications on an individual basis. We cannot guarantee that all those who submit a request will be granted a free ticket.
