Tuesday, September 16, 2008
5-7 p.m.
4130 Posvar Hall
University of Pittsburgh
Carmen Iezzi, Executive Director of the Fair Trade Federation (FTF) presented the first fall 2008 global lecture entitled “Great Products that Create Tremendous Impact: Choosing Fair Trade.” Iezzi defined fair trade for the audience as “a holistic approach to trade and development that aims to alter the ways in which commerce is conducted, so that trade can empower the poorest of the poor.” Fair trade organizations “seek to create sustainable and positive change in developing and developed countries.” The backbone of fair trade is based on several principles including: fair wages in local contexts, supportive participatory workplaces, environmental sustainability, public accountability, respect for cultural identity, creation of direct and long term relationships, and consumer education on what fair trade means. Fair trade is possible because of the actors, producers, retailers, certification organizations, fair trade advocates and most importantly, the consumers. Iezzi argues that fair trade will only be successful through the demand of consumers. For more information on fair trade and stores that sell fair trade products in the Pittsburgh area, please visit www.fairtradefederation.org.
Carmen K. Iezzi has been the Executive Director of the Fair Trade Federation (FTF) since 2006. Prior to working for FTF she directed the alumni relations program at the American University School for International service (SIS) and worked for the Atlantic Council of the United States where she managed programs on education and outreach. She is also the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for Ten Thousand Villages of Alexandria and works as a freelance writer and researcher. For more information on FTF and on Carmen K. Iezzi please visit on http://www.fairtradefederation.org .