On September 19, 2019, the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) elected Fair Trade Federation Executive Director Chris Solt as their Pacific Representative on the WFTO’s Global Board.
“Global trade, the commercial marketplace, and the fair trade landscape have seen significant shifts in the last 5-7 years. Bold innovation is needed to keep fair trade enterprises, one of the best solutions for consumers to express their values, relevant and connected to a new generation that is increasingly demanding that the food they consume and the products they buy do not negatively impact people and the planet. I am honored, humbled, and excited to represent the voices of producers, farmers, and fair trade enterprises in this role on the WFTO Board, an impressive group of fair trade professionals that I respect deeply. I’m also delighted that Roopa Mehta will serve as president, as her leadership and passion for fair trade has positively impacted the movement for decades.” -Chris Solt, FTF Executive Director
The elections took place during the WFTO’s 15th International Fair Trade Summit in Lima, Peru, where over 300 WFTO members and fair trade advocates gathered this month. Chris joins the board along with three additional newly-elected board members: Indro Dasgupta, Giorgio Dal Fiume, and Sunil Chitrakar. The WFTO has also elected Roopa Mehta as their new president. She is replacing Rudi Dalvai, who has served as president since May 2011.
The Fair Trade Federation is a proud network member of the WFTO. For more information about the WFTO board elections visit the WFTO press release.