A leading figure at the World Trade Organisation will come face-to-face with fair trade campaigners at a major event in Bradford next month.

Roderick Abbott, deputy director of the WTO, is among a number of keynote speakers who will debate the merits of trade and globalisation at the World Development Movement (WDM) conference.

He is flying in from Geneva especially for the event, which will also include seminars and workshops.

Among the other speakers are Paul Rogers, Professor of Peace Studies at Bradford University, and Mariama Williams, head of research at the International Gender and Trade Network.

About 1,000 people are expected at the annual event, entitled 'Whose Rules Rule?' at the University of Bradford.

Dave Timms, spokesman for the WDM, said the conference would be of interest to anyone concerned with international trade, debt and globalisation.

"Our group looks at various issues surrounding globalisation and we were one of the first organisations to start campaigning against Third World debt," he said.

"We will be looking at fair trade deals which actually benefit developing countries rather than big business, and constructing international rules that put people before profit."

He said the group was delighted to secure such a range of speakers and stressed members were keen to attract those with views both for and against big business.

"We are very pleased that Mr Abbott will be attending, and we are sure there will be a very healthy debate which we are keen to encourage," he said.

The two-day event begins on Saturday, June 14, with the speeches and is followed by a series of workshops for those keen to campaign for fair trade on the Sunday.

Registration for those wishing to attend takes place between noon and 1pm on June 14. It is free and all are welcome. For more information, telephone 0800 3282153.