The Hochschule Niederrhein (HSNR) has been distinguished as a Fairtrade University by the Fairtrade Germany organization for its commitment to fair trade. This makes it one of currently 44 universities in Germany that demonstrably integrate products manufactured to high social, ecological and economic standards into everyday university life and promote fair trade.
The university first came into contact with the Fairtrade organization back in 2015 through regular activities with "Fairtradetown" Mönchengladbach. Among other things, two fair trade cookbooks were produced as part of the collaboration. They also cooperated on practical work in the Faculties of Food and Nutrition Sciences and Textile and Clothing Technology.
Various criteria had to be met in order to be awarded the title of Fairtrade University. For example, the canteens and snack vending machines in Krefeld and Mönchengladbach offer fair trade products. In the Senate meetings, care is taken to ensure that coffee from fair production conditions is served or that caterers use sustainable food. Regular campaigns such as information stands on fair trade are held for students.
"It is important to us to sensitize our students, as future decision-makers in our society, to sustainability issues in the sense of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. Fair trade is an important aspect of achieving these goals. By participating in the Fairtrade University campaign, we can introduce our students to the topic in concrete projects," says Cornelia Rohde, graduate ecotrophologist at the Faculty of Food and Nutrition Sciences at HSNR.
"By being named a Fairtrade University, the HSNR is underlining its commitment to sustainable development. The university can be particularly proud of its employees, who initiated and supported the process on their own initiative and with conviction. Many thanks to Ms. Rohde and her team for their energetic commitment to supporting the HSNR in matters of sustainable development and enriching it with this valuable seal," says Annika Joosten, employee for sustainable university development in the Sustainability and Diversity Office.
The Fairtrade Germany organization is committed to connecting consumers, companies and producer organizations. The aim is to achieve better prices for smallholder families and decent working conditions for employees on plantations in developing and emerging countries. The Fairtrade University distinction has been awarded to colleges and universities by Fairtrade Deutschland e.V. since 2014.
