Fair trade and sustainable week 2026
Ghent University is committed throughout the year to making Ghent University a sustainable and fair university! All the efforts made for and by students and staff ensured that we became the first university in Belgium to receive the Fairtrade@campus Award. And we are truly proud of that!
Fair Trade stands for the fair trade of products that are made with fair wages, decent working conditions, and in an environmentally responsible way — and all of this is high on the agenda at Ghent University! In addition, this year we are explicitly focusing on the sustainability aspect, as the two are inextricably linked.
Discover the full programme below, from Monday 23 March to Friday 27 March:
Charity Brunch for Oxfam
Monday 23/3 - 10:00 till 13:00 - Rozier
Meanwhile, Trashbeatz will provide music made with waste materials.
Conversations in a warming climate
Monday 23/3 - 15:00 till 16:30 - Room 1.3, Campus Dunant
Klimaatcontact will teach us, through an engaging workshop, how to have relevant and non-polarising conversations about climate-related topics and how to increase our “green handprint.” Afterwards, an accessible and informal discussion will be held for anyone who would like to join!
Transition UGhent
Maandag 23/3 - 10:00 till 13:00 - Rozier
During the Transition UGent meeting, we focus on the power of imagination. Together we will create the exhibition “The Future Is Here”, showcasing inspiring sustainable initiatives at UGent and visions of the future we want. We will explore how these steps can grow and accelerate to create real impact in education, research, campuses, and community.
Theatre performance Aha
Tuesday 24/3 - 19:00 till 21:00 - bib Architectuur, Plateau
The theatre performance AHA, a project conceived by theatre maker Martha Balthazar and Leon Adriaensen, physicist and climate scientist at Ghent University. The duo seeks to bring art and science into dialogue with one another and won the Caroline Pauwels Grant.
The performance explores the role of the scientist and the dialogue between science and society.
Sustainable Movie Night with Verba Volant
Tuesday 24/3 - 19:00 till 22:00 - Green Hub 
A documentary on sustainability (Don’t Look Up) will be screened, followed by a discussion and debate about its message and personal interpretations. Of course, Fair Trade treats will be provided!
Docu night fast fashion + repair with IAAS
Wednesday 25/03 15:00 till 20:00
An educational evening in which a crash course in clothing repair is combined with a documentary about the dark side of fast fashion, followed by a discussion with an expert in the field.
- Workshop: 16h in resto Coupure
- Documentary: 18h in E4
- Follow-up: 20 - 22h in resto Coupure.
Sustainable and Fair Breakfast by FEA
Thursday 26/3 - 7:45 till 9:00 - Foyer 1.1, Campus Ardoyen
The Breakfast Café combines a local and Fair Trade breakfast with inspiring conversations about sustainability and circularity. Students and staff meet in an informal setting and, through the repair café, can learn from the Bicycle Ambassadors how to repair their bikes.
Lecture FEA: “Fairtrade Belgium on the Role of Fair Trade”
Thursday 26/03 - 10:30 till 11:30 - Auditorium André Devreker, Campus Tweekerken
We welcome Philippe Weiler, CEO of Fairtrade Belgium, to the course Corporate Social Responsibility.
During the guest lecture, Philippe will take us through the history of fair trade. He will discuss the ecological and social impact of our daily consumption choices and how more conscious decisions can contribute to a more sustainable and just world.
Film screening FEA 'Eat More Trees'
Thursday 26/03 - 13:00-14:30 - Auditorium André Devreker, Campus Tweekerken
Eat More Trees is the new documentary by Arne Focketyn, narrated by Maaike Cafmeyer. The film explores one of our greatest challenges for the future: the rapid degradation of our fertile agricultural land. The documentary won the Audience Award at its premiere in February at the Oostende Film Festival.
P.S. For FEA staff, a plant-based lunch will be provided from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
Eco Market and Vinted on Campus
Thursday 26/03 - 16:00 till 19:00 - Foyer UFO
During the Eco Market, we highlight everything that is sustainable, local, and Fair Trade, with numerous vendors where you can taste and purchase products. Second-hand clothes will also be swapped, sold, and upcycled by and for staff and students.
Sustainability puzzle tour
Thursday 26/03 - 16:00-19:00 Green Hub
Do you want to explore sustainable Ghent? Are you great at solving puzzles? Curious to discover new green spots in the city? Join us for the Sustainability Puzzle Tour!
The Green Guide invites you to a fun and interactive tour in groups of 3 on Thursday 26 March. Starting at 16:00, you will puzzle your way through the neighbourhood around Kortrijksepoortstraat while discovering Ghent’s green side. Through a series of quests and challenges, you will learn more about climate-friendly initiatives and Fair Trade in Ghent.
No worries, you won’t get thirsty: the tour includes two free drinks, and food will be available for purchase at the final location.
You can register in teams of up to 3 people. Coming alone? No problem! We’ll happily match you with other friendly participants.
Global Cook Off: WE together
Thursday 26/03 - 16:00 till 21:00 - Student Center Campus Sterre
Sustainable and Fair Trade Research at FBW, followed by a reception
Thursday 26/03 - 18:00 till 20:00 - Agora, Campus Coupure
Master’s students from the programmes of the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering present their Fair Trade and sustainability-related master’s thesis topics through posters. To further motivate students, we are organizing a competition for the best posters. A jury will select three winners. During this interactive evening, the selected students will present their work and engage in discussion with visitors.
The event will conclude with a reception featuring Fair Trade snacks and drinks, completely zero waste.
Operating more sustainably: a small step or a big challenge?
During the week, Camus UZ
Exhibition on sustainability and fair trade in the medical world. This initiative during Fair Trade Week raises awareness of the impact of commonly used surgical materials in hospitals. Through an exhibition on the campus of UZ Gent (during the week), we highlight the economic, ecological, and social aspects of this material use. This should create awareness about the broad impact of material use, which should lead to more responsible choices and practices within the healthcare sector and beyond.
We'll see u there
Contact: fairtrade@ugent.be
More info on our linktree