BRITISH FASHION COUNCIL AND UNITED NATIONS OFFICE FOR PARTNERSHIPS COLLABORATE ON THE AWARD FOR POSITIVE CHANGE AT THE FASHION AWARDS 2019
The British Fashion Council (BFC) is delighted to announce a collaboration with the United Nations Office for Partnerships (UNOP) that will recognise businesses and individuals in fashion that make concerted efforts to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year, this collaborative initiative will celebrate the Signatories of The Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action, convened and facilitated by the UN Climate Change. In 2018, fashion stakeholders worked to identify ways in which the broader textile, clothing and fashion industry can move towards a holistic and ambitious commitment on climate action and other SDGs. As a result, The Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action (the Charter) was launched at UN Climate Conference in Katowice, Poland (COP 24) with the mission to align the industry with the goals of the Paris Agreement and drive the Fashion Industry to net-zero emissions no later than 2050. Through the Award for Positive Change at The Fashion Awards 2019, the Signatories are to be recognised today, on the opening day of COP25 in Madrid, Spain. This award will recognize their leadership in addressing one of the most urgent issues of our time – climate change.
The United Nations, including the UN Climate Change have encouraged political and industry leaders globally to act on the SDGs. Earlier this year, French President Emmanuel Macron, ahead of the G7 Summit requested that Francois-Henri Pinault, Kering Chair and CEO, spearhead the Fashion Pact, focusing on science-based targets for the climate, biodiversity and oceans – key work that complements the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action.
Going forward, each year, the BFC, working with UNOP, will recognise those making a distinct impact with the Award for Positive Change which sits in line with the SDGs.