The United Nations Fashion & Lifestyle Network will reinvent the brand with a new vision and refine its approach to creating a sustainable future.
A new year brings a new vision for the Conscious Fashion and Lifestyle Network. Since its launch in 2021, the network has accelerated its activities across the fashion and lifestyle sectors to support the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Three years on, there is even greater visibility into what it takes to achieve a greener future.
Today, the organization announced a name change: it will now be known as the United Nations Fashion & Lifestyle Network. This reflects the organization’s unwavering commitment to its evolving mission of strengthening collaboration between the global fashion and lifestyle industry to ensure a sustainable future for all. While remaining steadfast in its efforts, the Network will continue to be agile and adapt to changing demands that enable continued advancement of the SDGs.
The UN Fashion Lifestyle Network currently has 253 members. Photo by Lisa Kato
Currently, the network consists of 253 registered members – brands, designers and organisations from around the world who are committed to driving positive change and sustainable practices. In line with this, the network is proud to have facilitated over 1,400 initiatives tailored to support the achievement of the SDGs at this crucial time for people and the planet.
Commenting on the network’s rebranding, Kelly Banigan, Managing Director of PVBLIC Foundation and Co-Founder of the UN Fashion & Lifestyle Network, said, “As we move forward, our joint efforts are more important than ever. The evolution of the UN Fashion & Lifestyle Network is a testament to the power of collaboration and how, together, the creative sector can shape global sustainability with purpose and impact.”
Kelly Bannigan, co-founder of the United Nations Fashion & Lifestyle Network. Photo by Lisa Kato
The network is supported by partners such as Lenzing, Messe Frankfurt and the US Cotton Trust Protocol. Members include Studio Lawrence, a British brand that collaborates with Filipino artisans to create pottery, beautifully combining traditional Philippine craftsmanship with modern design. The cross-cultural collaboration is just one example of the power of partnerships and the commitment of the network and its members to sustainability and diversity.
Studio Lawrence stone cast vessel. Courtesy of Studio Lawrence
Studio Lawrence Luxury Home Goods. Courtesy of Studio Lawrence
The UN Fashion & Lifestyle Network is continuously striving to expand its impact and looks forward to expanding its representation across Southeast Asia this year. Philippine fashion and lifestyle brands committed to sustainability and ethical production can apply to join the network. This global platform provides a unique opportunity to amplify impactful stories and a chance for members, united by shared values, to share learnings and build partnerships.
In line with the UN’s commitment to the SDGs, the Network is also committed to ensuring transparency and accountability through a comprehensive report that will be released in the coming months. The report will provide an in-depth analysis of the Network’s growth and accomplishments, and will also highlight key partnerships, impactful meetings, and collective progress. The report will not only celebrate the Network’s accomplishments, but will also serve as a blueprint for much-needed progress and an important call to action towards a more sustainable and mindful future.
Beate Andres, Deputy Director-General and Regional Director of the International Labour Organization, speaking at the event. Photo by Lisa Kato
At the COP28 summit in Dubai last year, UN Secretary-General António Guterres stressed that “it is essential that we unite around real, practical and meaningful climate solutions that are commensurate with the scale of the climate crisis.” As the fashion industry continues to produce 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions, more than the impact of international aviation and maritime shipping combined (Bloomberg), all players in the fashion and lifestyle industry must act fast.
The summit marked a major step forward for the fashion industry’s sustainability agenda, hosting the first-ever sustainable fashion show that highlighted a commitment to eco-friendly practices and inclusivity. Additionally, new legislation, including a global pledge on renewable energy and energy efficiency, was signed at the summit in over 100 countries.
Polimoda’s “Art Thou” final graduation show at the Piazza Santa Maria Novella in Florence, Italy. Courtesy of Polimoda
These are just some of the recent developments that are fully aligned with the UN Fashion Lifestyle Network’s agenda to relentlessly drive a more sustainable and circular industry. The momentum generated by COP28 will put the fashion industry on a promising upward trajectory towards a greener, more responsible future that we can all take part in and benefit from.
With an elegant name driving its mission, the UN Fashion Lifestyle Network remains committed to promoting sustainability and conscious practices in the fashion and lifestyle sectors, and welcomes members from all parts of the world.
