Shifting the fashion narrative

Addressing consumption is a central part of reducing climate impact - from the volume of new products purchased to the carbon footprint of how we use these products. We must work together to align all stakeholders across the fashion sector towards the 1.5-degree pathway of the Paris Agreement.

Fashion possesses one of the most powerful marketing engines on earth. Brands, designers, imagemakers and the media have a major influence on the identities, values and actions of billions of people across all segments of society. This in turn impacts consumption patterns, which is a central factor in reducing the climate impact of the sector.

UNEP is examining the role of sustainable fashion communication as a highly visible engine for lifestyle change and consumer education, and a core component of achieving systemic change in the sector. It is in direct consultation with organisations from across the global fashion and textile value chain to do so. The aim is to shift the fashion narrative from one of extraction, exploitation and disposable consumption, towards regeneration, equity and care by increasing consumer awareness, industry accountability and policy breakthroughs. 

The first milestone in this work was a communication commitment added to the upgraded UNFCCC Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action during COP26. What will follow is a guideline on how to align consumer-facing communication across the global fashion industry to sustainability targets, with examples of best practices for implementation and measurement.

This ties into UNEP's broader work on providing strategic leadership and encouraging sector-wide collaboration to accelerate a just transition towards a sustainable and circular textile value chain

Featured Events

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30 Mar 2025 | UN Day International Day of Zero Waste 2025

When: 30 March 2025 The International Day of Zero Waste, facilitated jointly by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), highlights the importance of bolstering waste management globally and…

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27 Mar 2025 | UN Day International Day of Zero Waste 2025 Commemoration at United Nations Headquarters in New York

When: 27 March 2025 Where: General Assembly Hall at the United Nations Headquarters, New York Follow the event live on UN Web TV This flagship event is part of the International Day of Zero Waste 2025 celebrations. The International Day of Zero…

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27 Mar 2025 | UN Day International Day of Zero Waste 2025 Observance in Nairobi

Date: Thursday, 27 March 2025  Time: 17:00-18:30 hrs EAT Location: United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) Registration is required to participate. Registration closed on 22 March. This flagship event is part of the International Day of Zero…

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Contacts

Rachel Arthur
Advocacy Lead - Sustainable Fashion
Email: rachel.arthur@un.org

Atif Ikram Butt
Chief, Public Advocacy and Communication Section
Email: atif.butt@un.org

Last updated: 28 Mar 2025, 11:10