The University of Valencia has received this Thursday its accreditation as a promoter entity of fair trade. IDEAS Comercio Justo (Iniciativas de Economía Alternativa y Solidaria) has delivered principal Esteban Morcillo the accreditative stamp, in an event held at the Office of the Principal. In order to obtain this stamp, the University has shown that it offers fair trade products on its campuses, and that it has approved and spread an institutional declaration on the issue. The University has a workshop about this issue.
The English city of Gartang was the first, in 2001, to be recognised as Fair Trade City. Ever since, other cities have been added to this movement, and currently there are more than 800 cities around Europe that own this accreditation. The iniciativa has as of recent spread to universities, and the University of Valencia has become the sixth Spanish university to receive the accreditation.
In different buildings of the University of Valencia fair trade products are used in a daily basis (such as juice, biscuits, coffee, milk, chocolate...) on cafeterias and caterings. T-shirts and bags are also used. Moreover, the University Store (La Tenda) also offers fair trade products, such as craftworks or gifs.
The event was attended by the principal, Esteban Morcillo, the Vice-Principal for Sustainability and Infrastructures, Clara Martinez, the Vice-Principal for International Relations and Cooperation, Olga Gil, the Vice-Principal for Institutional Relations and Communication and, Silvia Barona, the Vice-Principal for Research, Pedro Carrasco, General Secretary, José María Añón, the principal's delegate for Cooperation, Guillermo Palao, General Manager of the Foundation, Christopher Suria, among others.
The principal felt proud to receive this accreditation, and remarked that the University, in addition to teaching and research, must project values to society, among which he highlighted the fair trade, sustainability, and respect for decent working conditions.
Clara Martinez, meanwhile, has indicated that the promotion of fair trade in the University is the result of the coordinated efforts of many people and services, and has announced further efforts to permeate the university community of an awareness of friendly fair trade.
Rafael Ballesteros explained that the University of Valencia takes actions in this field, in cafes products, in machines 'vending' or stationery.
Last update: 21 de february de 2013 12:00.
News release
