Messe Frankfurt And The U.N. To Work Together Promoting Sustainability In The Textile Industry

Image Courtesy of Messe Frankfurt Gmbh

December 17th 2019 : Yesterday, over 100 guests from the press, business, politics and associations met at the headquarters of the United Nations to learn how the Texpertise Network of Messe Frankfurt, the Conscious Fashion Campaign and the United Nations Office for Partnerships (UNOP) plan to collaborate in furthering the implementation of their Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the fashion and textile industry.

The Executive Director of UNOP Robert Skinner, opened the event and highlighted the importance of global engagement of the private sector and other stakeholders for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Mr. Skinner stated that the international fashion and textile industry have a potential to advance the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.

Together with Messe Frankfurt and Conscious Fashion Campaign, UNOP welcomes the opportunity to reach a broad and professional audiences, raise awareness of the goals and galvanize support. 

Mr. Skinner, who moderated the event, invited Ambassador Jürgen Schulz, Deputy Permanent Representative of Germany to the United Nations, to deliver opening remarks.

Detlef Braun, Member of the Executive Board at Messe Frankfurt, explained: “Along with digitalisation, sustainability is a topic currently exerting a significant influence on the global textile industry. Messe Frankfurt has been accompanying this development with its worldwide textile events under the umbrella of the Texpertise Network for more than ten years. It is therefore a logical conclusion that the Sustainable Development Goals should be integrated in our worldwide textile events to generate acute awareness of the importance of sustainability in the textile industry.”

Kerry Bannigan, Founder of the Conscious Fashion Campaign, stated that we need more examples of leadership for change like Messe Frankfurt to make the next decade the most impactful yet. Through our global event partners, the Conscious Fashion Campaign will integrate education, advocacy and ultimately engagement while also seeking to implement sustainable and circular event operations and logistics. 

With its Texpertise Network Messe Frankfurt supports the Sustainable Development Goals within the framework of the cooperation with the Conscious Fashion Campaign and UNOP.

The goals will be presented at the more than 50 textile events organised by Messe Frankfurt at venues around the globe.

Planning currently includes interactive information stands, presentations, discussion forums, fair tours and the integration of special activities in the trade fair programme.

Heimtextil, the world's biggest and most important trade fair for home and contract textiles that attracts around 3000 exhibitors and expects 65,000 trade visitors from 7-10 January 2020, will be the next stop on the tour to present the Sustainable Development Goals. During the opening press conference Lucie Brigham, Chief of Office for the United Nations Office for Partnerships will present on 7 January.

Moreover, the goals will be presented and discussed at an interactive stand in the Green Village, and be integrated into the Green Directory for the first time.

For the past 10 years, this index has listed sustainably producing companies at Heimtextil. In 2020, the Green Directory will comprise a record 262 entries. as well as in the form of panel discussions.