The ambition is laudable, but there is still a long way to go to achieve many of the goals. Despite progress, more than 780 million people live below the international poverty line. Worldwide, 152 million children are still involved in child labour. And climate change threatens to reverse progress on all levels. What’s more, the goals only provide a framework. It’s up to governments but also businesses and civil society to take action to ensure they are achieved.
There is a large amount of cross-over between the SDGs and Fairtrade’s work. In fact, of the 169 targets underlying the goals, there is barely a single one that isn’t somehow related to food and farming. This means that smallholder farmers and workers have a central role to play.
While Fairtrade has a direct and indirect impact in all 17 goals, we have prioritised twelve goals which are most closely linked to our work.
Goal 1: No Poverty
End poverty in all its forms everywhere
This goal is central to Fairtrade’s mission. We seek to ensure that farmers and workers make strong progress towards a living income and living wages.
Goal 2: Zero Hunger
End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
Small-scale farmers continue to provide a large percentage of the world’s population with food. Building robust livelihoods is crucial for achieving this goal. In addition, farmers and workers earning a dignified income or wage will be able to better provide for their own families.
Goal 4: Quality Education
Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
Equitable access to training and informal education for adults and youth will increase future opportunities available to all. Fairtrade farmers and workers choose to spend a portion of their Fairtrade Premium funds on children's education, while the three Fairtrade producer networks invest significantly in training and learning opportunities for producers.
Goal 5: Gender Equality
Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has identified that overcoming gender inequalities can reduce the number of hungry people in the world by 150 million. Fairtrade supports women to participate equally in their cooperatives and workplaces, earn better wages and diversify their incomes. A push for equity will result in increased opportunities and representation for women as well as young people.
Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
In line with the UN International Labour Organization and national legislation, Fairtrade promotes better working conditions, supports workers to negotiate for better pay and is striving to achieve living wages for workers on Fairtrade plantations. Our standards prohibit child and forced labour and we work with young people, their communities, producer organizations and governments to enable them to tackle the root causes themselves.
Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
Fairtrade Standards and resources like the Fairtrade Premium mean that farmers and workers are in control of investments in their businesses and communities. We are also aiming for supply chains to be fully traceable and transparent, so producers can make informed business decisions and deepen their relationships with their trade partners.
Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
Reduce inequality within and among countries
We call for trade policies and collective action that will unlock greater benefits from trade for all farmers and workers. Fairtrade prices and Premium are a safety net, and our living income and living wage strategies provide a pathway towards decent livelihoods for more people. Inclusion efforts and economic interventions will lead to greater gender equality, increased opportunities for young people, and reductions in discrimination.
Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Producer organizations are pillars in their communities. They invest Fairtrade Premium funds to improve infrastructure and services and build resilience in the face of climate change.
Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Fairtrade is the leading ethical label worldwide. Through our campaigns and advocacy work, we bring together thousands of communities and millions of citizens worldwide to campaign for fairer trade. Shoppers, producers and advocates are working together to push for social and climate justice.
Goal 13: Climate Action
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
Small-scale farmers are already bearing the brunt of a changing climate. Fairtrade works with producer organizations and climate experts to build farmers’ resilience to climate shocks and stresses and apply environmentally sustainable practices.
Goal 15: Life on Land
Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
Fairtrade Standards requirements and climate resilient practices will reduce pressure on protected areas and forests, and reduce loss of biodiversity.
Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development
Power imbalances in supply chains that favour companies over small-scale farmers in developing countries can be a barrier to implementing the SDGs. Fairtrade works with multiple partners – producer organizations, businesses, trade unions, civil society, governments and other multi-stakeholder bodies. Fairtrade is leveraging these relationships to co-create new pathways towards impact.