Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences has once again been awarded the title of Fairtrade University, having previously been the first university in North Rhine-Westphalia to receive this distinction in 2017.
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 now due for recertification. To achieve this, it had to demonstrate that it continued to meet the five criteria – ranging from a decision by the Executive Board to expand the range of Fairtrade products available on campus to events and initiatives on the topic.
Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences has now provided this evidence. Fairtrade products are available in the canteen, at events and in vending machines. The university’s new in-house shop stocks Fairtrade clothing, and numerous events on the topic of fair trade have taken place. The 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.
For example, students tie-dyed Fairtrade bags and provided information about fair trade at the Mini Maker Faire in Kamp-Lintfort. At the Festival of Sustainability, students in Kleve organised a panel discussion on the Sustainable Supply Chain Act. The topic is also covered in teaching. In the interdisciplinary project ‘Fairness and Trade’, for example, students investigated whether and how the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the principles of the Global Reporting Initiative can be applied to Fairtrade certifications (e.g. Fair Wear Foundation, Gepa, Fairtrade International) and certified companies.
With this recertification, Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences reaffirms its commitment to fair trade. “We are proud of this award and delighted that, in particular, the great commitment of our Fairtrade student group is being recognised in this way,” emphasises Professor Dr Irmgard Buder, Professor of Renewable Energy and Electromobility, who serves as a faculty member on the Fairtrade steering group. “However, we also see this title as both a challenge and an obligation to further raise our awareness of the cause and to work even harder at Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences to promote greater fairness in trade,” adds Chancellor Michael Strotkemper, expressing his sincere thanks to the steering group for their commitment.
Other universities in North Rhine-Westphalia have followed the example set by Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences. Seven universities in the federal state have now received this award. Across Germany, 30 universities now hold this title. Universities are recognised as Fairtrade Universities if they actively promote fair trade and are awarded this status by the non-profit organisation TransFair.
