Shaping a sustainable global economy: Misereor

In order to overcome the structural injustices of the global economy, we first need to overcome the colonial division of labour. Still, countries of the Global South primarily export raw materials, while their industrial processing takes place mainly in countries of the Global North and emerging economies. These countries in turn mainly produce and export finished products and offer services, which secures them the majority of global value creation and jobs. Trade agreements and so-called commodity partnerships deepen this division of labour.

In many countries of the Global South, only a few companies and people benefit from mining. However, their population bears the costs: deforestation, destruction of biodiversity, water pollution, displacement of Indigenous and farming communities. The same applies to the agro-industrial cultivation of soya, sugar, coffee, bananas and cocoa, most of which are destined for export. In addition, this economic pattern aggravates the climate crisis.

In order to overcome such grievances, we have successfully campaigned for the German and EU Supply Chain Act, which oblige local companies to respect human rights, the environment and the climate. However, the EU Supply Chain Act was significantly weakened in late 2025. All the more, we call for an ambitious international treaty for business and human rights at the United Nations level.

At the same time, we are in favour of a trade policy that reduces poverty and promotes sustainability. In addition, Misereor is a co-founder of Fair Trade, which secures people a reliable income, protects the environment and demonstrates that just trade structures are possible. We also advocate debt cancellation for countries in the Global South to enable public financing of education, healthcare, social systems and the local economy. Without overcoming the debt crisis, it will not be possible to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

A woman smiling directly into the camera.

Too many of the people who produce our food cannot make a living from it themselves. Let's stand up together for fair trade!

A man presents coffee cherries in his hands

We have been committed to fair wages, decent working conditions and just trade relations for over 60 years. Brows our campaigns, projects and materials relating to Fair Trade.

About 35 per cent of countries surveyed are in a threatening debt crisis. They lack the financial means to combat poverty, hunger and the climate crisis.

Increasing global prosperity demands more and more raw materials such as coal. The downside: human rights violations and environmental destruction.

We advocate for an economic order in which human rights and the environment are prioritised - and economic development benefits everyone.

Unjust trade conditions lead to poverty and misery in many countries around the world. That is why we are in favour of a just trade policy that puts human rights and the environment at the centre.