To mark its official launch this December, the Conscious Fashion Campaign (CFC) is committing to actively support the upcoming Decade of Action and Delivery for Sustainable Development.

Founded by social impact entrepreneur Kerry Bannigan (pictured above), CFC aims to overcome the divide between leaders from the fashion industry and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In collaboration with the United Nations Office for Partnerships (UNOP), the campaign champions fashion as an influential industry to address current pressing issues; driving change through advocacy, education and also the engagement of industry stakeholders to create a sustainable future for all.

CFC plans to engage leading fashion industry events to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs.

Commenting is CFC founder, Kerry Bannigan. “Following a one-year pilot phase to discover what the fashion industry understood about the SDGs, and what else could be implemented, the CFC immersed itself into the retail event sector – specifically trade shows – to connect with brands and retailers at the beginning of the buying cycle.

“With partnerships in the USA, UK, France, Germany, The Netherlands and China, and names including Coterie, Project and Magic, Neonyt, Pure London, Who’s Next Paris and Kingpins, we have already introduced the SDGs to over 96,000 retailers and buyers representing 87 countries.

“The CFC has aligned with 460 conscious fashion brands and engaged with global brands including representatives from GAP, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Stella McCartney, G Star RAW, Target, American Eagle, Madewell, DKNY and Marks & Spencer to learn what fashion companies are doing to align with the SDGs.”

 

 

Bannigan hopes to minimise the funding gap of £2 trillion for the SDGs.

During the recent 74th United Nations General Assembly in New York, CFC co-hosted a reception with Lenzing Group, Avery Dennison and Phaze. There, it revealed its one-year pilot programme findings and also spearheaded a conversation on sustainable fashion driving tomorrow’s economy.

In addition, the event marked the announcement of various industry impact commitments. These included Lenzing Group pledging to become the first carbon-neutral fibre producer in the world; Eileen Fisher committing to circular design with RENEW – taking back over 1.2 million pieces since 2009; and the Avery Dennison Corporation joining the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Circular Economy 100 Network.

Bannigan continues: “I am delighted to officially launch CFC. It aims to actively engage in the upcoming Decade of Action and Delivery for Sustainable Development, which will be launched in early 2020.

“2020 is the year of implementation but also continued education. Our aim is to help businesses learn and integrate the SDGs into their business models; developing meaningful, multi-stakeholder partnerships and initiatives which secure a future where no one is left behind.

“The potential for change when you engage the fashion industry is enormous. If we work together to shape the future of fashion we will create dynamic impact, lasting change and deliver on our core mission to make the SDGs a reality.”

As the blueprint to achieving a better, more sustainable future for all, the SDGs address the global challenges we face.

These include issues relating to poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and also justice. The fashion industry heavily impacts on most, if not all of these challenges.

Lucie Brigham, Chief of Office at the United Nations Office for Partnerships, adds: “Our Office is proud to collaborate with the CFC; supporting our shared vision in impacting positive change within the fashion industry. Working hand in hand, I believe we can tap into the resources and expertise of leaders within the fashion industry to make the SDGs a success.

“With a Decade of Action and Delivery for Sustainable Development imminent, the time is now to be creative and innovative. We need to leverage solutions to scale success stories and catalyse commitment to sustainable business models that support the SDG; ultimately, securing a future for people and planet that we can be proud of.”

For further information on the Conscious Fashion Campaign and how to take action please click here.