Unna remains a pioneer: Fairtrade city honored for another two years!

Unna remains a pioneer: Fairtrade city honored for another two years!

Unna recently received the title of “Fairtrade City” for another two years, underlining the city’s committed role in fair trade. This award, first presented in 2013, was presented on May 10, 2025, in time for World Fair Trade Day. Mayor Dirk Wigant praised Unna's pioneering role in fair trade and confirmed the city's broad commitment.

Sales of Fairtrade products in Germany reached a new high in 2024, which is a positive sign for demand for fairly traded goods. Unna is also part of the “Fair Metropolis Ruhr”, an initiative that brings together several cities in the Ruhr area to promote fair trade.

Diverse campaigns for fair trade

In order to support the principles of fair trade, Unna organizes numerous events and campaigns in collaboration with local actors. This includes:

• Informationsveranstaltungen zum fairen Handel
• Ein Aktionsstand mit dem Eine-Welt-Laden
• Schulwettbewerbe zu Nachhaltigkeitsthemen
• Der Launch des fairen UNNA-Kaffees
• Workshops zu Themen wie faire Textilien und Elektroschrott
• Faire Bildungsfrühstücke und Einkaufsratgeber
• Aktionen in der FAIREN WOCHE, wie z.B. Kaffeeverkostungen
• Ausstellungen zu fairen Handels-Themen
• Jährliche Rosenkampagnen zum Weltfrauentag
• Aktionsstand „Torwandschießen mit fairen Bällen“
• Theaterstücke mit fairer thematischer Begleitung
• Förderung von Fairtrade Schools und Kitas
• Unterstützung von Projekttagen in Schulen und Kitas
• Ein Weihnachtsmarkt mit sozialem Engagement

In order to further promote these initiatives, the aim is to form a steering group consisting of representatives from politics, business and civil society. The Unna Environment Agency is currently looking for new members who would like to actively contribute to shaping fair trade in the city. Anyone interested can contact Nicole Katsigiannis on (02303) 103 1705.

Fairtrade cities in the region

Mülheim an der Ruhr is also an example of the successful implementation of the Fairtrade strategy. The city has been continuously recognized as a “Fairtrade Town” since 2016 and received this honor again in 2018, 2020, 2022 and 2024. The Fairtrade Town campaign aims to involve many cities and municipalities in fair trade.

There are more than 30 retail stores and over 20 restaurants in Mülheim that offer at least two fair trade products. Church communities and schools are also actively involved, which leads to an increase in offerings every year. The criteria for certification as a Fairtrade Town include, among other things, the establishment of a steering group and the expansion of the sale of fair trade products.

The principles of fair trade, which play a role in both Unna and Mülheim, include securing a stable minimum price for small farmers, the ban on forced labor as well as the protection of labor rights and the promotion of gender equality.

The steering group in Mülheim coordinates the implementation of these criteria and plans events to promote fair trade. Members include the Faire Metropole Ruhr and various local organizations. Meetings take place quarterly in the Agenda2030 office, where ideas and projects are discussed.

For further information or project ideas, please contact agenda2030@muelheim-ruhr.de.