Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences is also at the forefront of fair trade. It is the first – and so far the only – university in North Rhine-Westphalia to have been awarded the title of ‘Fairtrade University’. This recognises its commitment to promoting fair practices in global trade.
By being awarded the title of Fairtrade University, Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences is taking on a pioneering role in North Rhine-Westphalia. “We are proud of this award. It also demonstrates how important this issue is to us as a university committed to sustainability,” emphasises President Dr Heide Naderer, who received the certificate on behalf of the university from Kristina Klecko, Campaigns and Public Relations Officer at Fairtrade-Universities TransFair e.V.
Fairtrade Universities are higher education institutions across Germany that actively promote fair trade and have been awarded this title by the non-profit organisation TransFair. All German higher education institutions – including private and state universities, universities of applied sciences and academies – are eligible to apply. To qualify, they must demonstrate that they meet five criteria – ranging from expanding the range of fair trade products available on campus to organising events and initiatives on the topic. The student body, the administration and the university’s catering outlets all work together to promote fair trade.
Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences has now provided this evidence. Several events on fair trade took place last semester. The topic is also covered in teaching. “In the interdisciplinary project ‘Fair Trade Electronics’, for example, students investigated the extent to which a smartphone is produced and traded fairly,” said Prof. Dr Irmgard Buder, a professor at the Faculty of Communication and Environment. Furthermore, Fairtrade products are available in the canteen, in the cafeterias and at internal events. The activities were coordinated by a steering group set up specifically for this purpose, comprising active students as well as representatives from the administration, the ASTA and the Student Services Organisation.
“We also see this title as both a call to action and an obligation to further raise our awareness of the issue and to advocate even more strongly for greater fairness in trade at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences,” said Dr Naderer, expressing his sincere thanks to the steering group for their commitment.
