UN Fashion Lifestyle Network convenes in New York for Annual Meeting
The fourth edition of the UN Fashion and Lifestyle Network Annual Meeting convened today at United Nations Headquarters, uniting global leaders, industry stakeholders, brands, UN representatives, and media to explore the evolving challenges and transformative opportunities shaping the future of the fashion and lifestyle industries.
Organized by the United Nations Office for Partnerships and the Fashion Impact Fund, the event underscored the urgency of collective action to ensure fashion and lifestyle contribute meaningfully to a more sustainable future.
UN Office for Partnerships Executive Director Annemarie Hou recognized the key role of the fashion and lifestyle industries to transform ambition into action, and challenges into opportunities for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “Along these formidable changes lies immense potential for innovation and leadership,” she stated. “This Network was created as a platform for action. Your initiatives demonstrate how collective creativity can deliver sustainable, impactful solutions.”
This year’s agenda featured captivating discussions and roundtables focused on responsible sourcing, circular business models, technology and design innovation, the rise of the second-hand economy, and the power of culture and platforms to drive systems change.
“In this era of planetary and social urgency, creativity must be met with responsibility. Our industry decisions shape the realities of garment workers, artisans, and communities on the frontline,” said Kerry Bannigan, Co-Founder of the UN Fashion Lifestyle Network and Managing Director of the PVBLIC Foundation. She highlighted the importance of bringing together creatives across fields and industries.
Sustainability was at the core of the annual forum, as speakers highlighted how their organizations, companies, and projects were committed to action. It’s not just a trend, it’s a responsibility for individuals, corporations, supply chains, and governments to bring solutions–from reducing water consumption and waste to ethical design and business practices.
“I challenge you if you have an issue that is close to your heart, the door is wide open to participate in policy,” shared Michelle Gabriel, UNFLN member and Program Director, M.S. Sustainable Fashion IE New York College. “Choose those opportunities because you can be a champion of that change.”
Earlier this year, the UN Tour Guides' uniforms had a complete, sustainable makeover. Joining forces for fashion and social good led to this incredible partnership with the Government of Sweden, the UN Office for Partnerships, the Department of Global Communications, and the Fashion Impact Fund.
H.E. Mr. Erik Ullenhag, Consul General of Sweden to New York, highlighted how leaders can have a pivotal role in transformation for people and planet through innovative policies and projects. “When it comes to big challenges like climate change, you know none of us can solve it on our own. No country, [no matter] how powerful it is, can solve it on our own. All of us need to act.”
Speakers and participants left this annual forum with a reinvigorated call for collective action and purpose. The UN Fashion and Lifestyle Networks members bring a diverse range of expertise and experiences, providing the ultimate opportunity for collaborations and creativity.
Watch the event here.
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About the United Nations Fashion Lifestyle Network:
The United Nations Fashion Lifestyle Network is a global initiative dedicated to promoting sustainable and inclusive practices within the fashion and lifestyle industries. With a growing membership and a commitment to the SDGs, the network strives to create a positive impact on both a local and a global scale.
The UN Fashion and Lifestyle Network is led by the United Nations Office for Partnerships and the Fashion Impact Fund. The Network is a catalyst for sustainable development within the fashion and lifestyle sectors.
To learn more about the UN Fashion and Lifestyle Network and its global initiatives, visit www.unfashionlifestyle.org