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Weltläden are specialty stores dedicated to Fair Trade and have been actively combating poverty and injustice in the world for over 50 years. Their main mission is to promote fairer trade relations between the countries of the global South and the global North.
Weltläden offer a wide range of fair trade products, including food items such as coffee, tea, and chocolate, as well as modern handicrafts like upcycled items, jewelry, and textiles. In addition to selling these products, Weltläden also engage in comprehensive information and educational work, as well as political campaigns to highlight the need for fairer trade structures[1][4][5].
The main mission of Weltläden is to contribute to a fairer world through the sale of fair trade products, information and educational work, and political initiatives. They advocate for all people to live under good working conditions and to be able to make a decent living from their work. The values of Weltläden are based on the idea of global learning and the promotion of sustainability and social justice[1][4][5].
Weltläden pursue several central sustainability goals:
In Germany, there are about 900 Weltläden, most of which are organized as registered associations. The Weltladen Dachverband, a registered association, serves as a representative body and promotes the further development of Weltläden. It offers numerous training opportunities for employees and advocates for compliance with strict criteria regarding working conditions and product range[1][3][5].
The Weltladen movement began in the 1970s with protests against injustices in global trade. The first Weltläden, then known as "Third World Shops," emerged during this time. Today, Weltläden are part of a global network that unites in the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) and is 100% committed to Fair Trade[5].
Through their long-standing work and commitment, Weltläden have played a significant role in promoting Fair Trade and social justice and continue to actively advocate for a fairer world.
