Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences (HSRW) has once again been awarded the title of ‘Fairtrade University’, having been the first university in North Rhine-Westphalia to receive this distinction in 2017 and having been recertified in 2020. The certificate recognises the university’s commitment to promoting fair trade practices in global commerce.
Having been the first university in North Rhine-Westphalia to be awarded the title of ‘Fairtrade University’ in 2017, Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences was due for recertification in 2020. To achieve this, Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences (HSRW) had to demonstrate that it continued to meet criteria such as expanding the range of Fairtrade products available on campus and organising events and campaigns on the topic.
Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences has provided this evidence over the past three years: Fairtrade products are available in the canteen, at events and in vending machines, whilst Fairtrade clothing is sold in the university’s own shop. Numerous events on the topic of fair trade have taken place, including tastings of fair trade coffee and ice cream, the organisation of a clothes swap, and the making of oilcloths. Students also used the batik technique to dye fair trade bags.
These activities are coordinated by a steering group set up specifically for this purpose, comprising members of the Fairtrade student group in Kamp-Lintfort and Kleve, as well as representatives from the administration, the AStA and the Studentenwerk.
With this recertification, the HSRW reaffirms its commitment to fair trade. “I am delighted that we have once again been recognised as a Fairtrade University. This recognition also serves as an incentive for us to continue championing fairness in trade within the university – through events, in teaching and in research,” emphasises Dr Irmgard Buder, Professor of Renewable Energies and Electromobility at the Kamp-Lintfort campus, who is actively involved in the Fairtrade steering group as a faculty member.
“However, we also view this title as both a challenge and an obligation to further raise our awareness of the cause and to champion greater fairness in trade even more vigorously,” adds Chancellor Michael Strotkemper, expressly thanking the steering group for their commitment.
Fairtrade is a cause close to the hearts of HSRW students: “We support the values of fair trade on our campus and are committed to ensuring that students gain the knowledge to make sustainable choices in their everyday lives,” says student Somaya Ahmadian about her involvement. She is active in promoting Fairtrade on the Kamp-Lintfort campus and, together with Carla Fenandez Moreno (Kleve campus), represents the Fairtrade student group.
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Photo (from left to right): Sharon Spievak (AStA Chair), Prof. Dr Irmgard Buder, Ingrid Hendricks (Head of the Financial Accounting Department), Michael Strotkemper (Chancellor)
© Victoria Grimm / HSRW
