The start of the meeting – All Photos by Lisa Kato
The United Nations Conscious Fashion and Lifestyle Network Annual Meeting, co-convened by the United Nations Office for Partnerships and the Fashion Impact Fund are supported by Calik Denim, Lenzing, The LYCRA Company, and Renewcell.
The June 1 meeting was held from 1:30pm – 6pm at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, followed by an evening reception from 6pm – 8pm.
150 Industry leaders, media and United Nations representatives came together in 12 related panel discussions to highlight actions, solutions, and progress from the fashion and lifestyle sectors to advance sector engagement in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Considering the fashion and lifestyle sector’s significant impact on societies and the environment, this Annual Meeting reviewed how the sectors are mobilizing expertise, innovation, technology, and resources towards achieving a more just and equitable world. Its key objective is to explore how initiatives are fostering transparent, inclusive, and transformative engagement of global stakeholders guided by the Sustainable Development Goals.
Welcome & Opening Remarks:
Kerry Bannigan
Kerry Bannigan, Co-Founder, United Nations Conscious Fashion and Lifestyle Network and Executive Director, Fashion Impact Fund
“To date the Network has over 200 members in 64 countries who have pledged over 1200 commitments to the SDGs. Today’s meeting provides a platform for global leaders, experts and stakeholders to share their insights and experiences towards creating a more equitable and just sector that in turn will transform communities for people and planet.”
Annemarie Hou
Annemarie Hou Executive Director United Nations Office for Partnerships
“The presence of so many powerful voices and influencers gives me huge hope that the industry can become part of the solution.”
Members & Invited Guests:
Industry advocates, changemakers and voices at the annual meeting included Ginger Zee, Chief Meteorologist, ABC News; Steven Kolb, Chief Executive Officer, Council of Fashion Designers of America; Camilla Mellander, Consul General of Sweden in New York; Isabella Marras, Senior Programme Management Officer – Interagency Affairs, United Nations Environment Programme; Beate Andrees, Special Representative to the United Nations and Director, International Labour Organization Office for the United Nations; Ursula Wynhoven, Representative to the United Nations, ITU; Cecilie Thorsmark, CEO, Copenhagen Fashion Week; Saad Amer, Founder and CEO, Justice Environment; and Ngozi Okaro, Executive Director, Custom Collaborative; Madhu Vaishnav, Founder and Director, Saheli Women; Nkwo Onwuka, Founder and Creative Director, NKWO; Omar Salam, Founder, Designer and Creative Director, SUKEINA; Omoyemi Akerele, Founder and CEO, Lagos Fashion Week; Niccolò Sbaraglia, Head of Commercial Development, Polimoda; Laurence Carr, CEO and Creative Director, Laurence Carr, Inc.
Panel: Omar Salam, Founder, SUKEINA, Designer & Creative Director; Carmen Gama, Eileen Fisher, Director of Circular Design
The Panels:
In Conversation: The House of LR&C
Climate Action: Culture Advancing Impact
Responsible Consumption and Production: Scaling Solutions for the Global Community
Partnerships for the Goals: Harnessing Industry Collaborations to Achieve Transformative Action
Industry, Innovation and infrastructure: Designing a Better Future
Reduced Inequalities: Breaking Barriers to Achieve Inclusion for All
Quality Education: Fostering Creativity in the Next Generation of Fashion Leaders
Decent Work and Economic Growth: Redefining Success Across the Value Chain
Spotlight: United Nations Conscious Fashion and Lifestyle Network
Life on Land: The Role of the Lifestyle Sector
Reception:
Outdoor terrace overlooking the East River
The annual meeting reception, supported by Seedlip, included a Solutions Showcase highlighting network members sustainable best practices and innovations from Avocado, Calik Denim, Global Fashion Exchange, Lenzing, Made Trade, Nuba Arts x The Canvas, The House of LR&C and The LYCRA Company.
Contact:
For more information link to: United Nations Conscious Fashion and Lifestyle Network or contact Megan McAstocker [megan@fashionimpactfund.org].
