Queen Margaret University achieves Fairtrade status
May 2011
On 12 May, Queen Margaret University (QMU) in Edinburgh was delighted to announce that it was awarded Fairtrade status by the Fairtrade Foundation. This achievement demonstrates the University's commitment to supporting and using Fairtrade.
As a Fairtrade University, QMU will ensure that Fairtrade products are available in as many places as possible, as well as raising awareness of Fairtrade with students, staff and visitors about the benefits that it brings to producers in developing countries.
The achievement of this award reflects QMU's commitment to social justice and sustainable business. In March, QMU hosted an educational conference which encouraged the promotion and adoption of Fairtrade products in Scottish educational institutions.
Professor Petra Wend, Principal of QMU, said: "In our increasingly challenging global marketplace it's important that education institutions embrace the concept of fairness in international trading. QMU focuses on improving quality of life. It's therefore fitting that QMU uses its own purchasing power responsibly with the aim of positively impacting on the rights and dignity of producers in developing countries. We are delighted that our efforts in this area have been recognised with the award and we will actively continue to develop our range of Fairtrade products and raise awareness of the Fairtrade philosophy amongst the QMU community."
Martin Rhodes, Director of the Scottish Fair Trade Forum said: "We're delighted that QMU has achieved Fairtrade status - the commitment to Fair Trade shown by students and staff alike has been exceptional. With the Scottish Fair Trade Forum counting down to putting in its bid to have Scotland declared a Fair Trade Nation in 2012, QMU's achievement brings us one step closer to our goal."
