The United Nations Fashion and Lifestyle Network Launches Inaugural Hub to Transform Local Solutions into Global Change
Image By Courtesy of VILLA PETRIOLO
The United Nations Fashion and Lifestyle Network, an initiative of the United Nations Office for Partnerships and the Fashion Impact Fund - a PVBLIC Foundation program, proudly announces the opening of its first-ever Fashion and Lifestyle Hub in the heart of Tuscany at Villa Petriolo.
This landmark expansion, in partnership with network member IMARK Impact and the Office of the Governor of the Region of Tuscany, will demonstrate the economic and environmental benefits of circular and inclusive business strategies to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, driving partnerships, elevating local and regional solutions to the global stage, and empowering communities.
“This Hub will serve as a dynamic center, bringing sustainable fashion and lifestyle practices into the heart of our communities,” said Annemarie Hou, Executive Director of the UN Office for Partnerships, hosting the UN Fashion and Lifestyle Network. “It’s about cultivating change from the ground up—supporting local artisans, empowering small businesses, and inspiring sustainable production methods that respect both people and the planet”.
Kerry Bannigan, Managing Director, PVBLIC Foundation, shares: “We envision the Tuscany Hub as more than a center for innovation — it will be a blueprint for future hubs worldwide. By showcasing an adaptable and replicable model, the Hub is set to empower regions to develop localized strategies that meet community-specific needs, contribute to global sustainable development objectives as well as elevate local and regional innovations to the world stage.”
Tuscany boasts a rich heritage in textiles, fashion, and tourism, driving sustainable and inclusive development.
With over 10% of Italy's textile production and 15 million annual tourists, the region champions sustainability through eco-friendly agriculture, renewable energy, and sustainable tourism.
Eugenio Giani, President of Tuscany states: “We are honored that the UN selected Villa Petriolo in Tuscany as the first Hub for its Fashion and Lifestyle network. Fashion, Textile and Tourism are at the center of our economy and policies, facing new challenges also in terms of sustainability".
On 21 and 22 November at Villa Petriolo, the UN Fashion and Lifestyle Hub will convene more than 80 partners, from local and regional companies, public institutions, cultural organizations, media, academia, and United Nations representatives for presentations, roundtable discussions and fireside chats with industry leaders, the UN Fashion and Lifestyle Network, UN Industrial Development Organization and UN Tourism, enabling opportunities for collaboration and scaling of solutions to keep the promise of the SDGs.
Daniele Nannetti, CEO of Villa Petriolo, added: "This partnership represents more than an alliance – it's a powerful convergence of sustainable agriculture, conscious living, and innovative fashion that will reshape how we approach the SDGs
About The United Nations Fashion and Lifestyle Network
The United Nations Fashion and Lifestyle Network (UNFL Network) is the United Nations hosted online platform for industry stakeholders, media, Governments, and the UN system entities. The network showcases and enables collaborations that accelerate solutions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Recognizing the impact of the fashion and lifestyle sector on people and the planet, the UNFL Network fosters transparent, inclusive and transformative engagement of the global stakeholders to drive urgent action on sustainability.
The UNFL Network provides an impartial platform for the industry and the UN system. Its key objective is to mobilize expertise, technology and resources towards sustainable and inclusive COVID-19 recovery, with the Sustainable Development Goals as a guiding framework.
