MIDDLE EAST SUSTAINABLE FASHION FORUM - Event Overview
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MIDDLE EAST SUSTAINABLE FASHION FORUM Event Overview
INTRODUCTION TO MEFC The Middle East Fashion Council (MEFC) has positioned itself as the world’s first fashion council with sustainability as its core value and has created the Middle East Sustainable Fashion Forum (MESFF) in an effort to bring key players in the sustainability space. Our platform was born from an inspiration to tackle climate change and pollution brought on as a direct result of the industry we love. We produce and govern under a credo of honesty and integrity and promise to always do what is morally sound and ethically responsible. That means speaking out and taking a stand against anything that uses, abuses, and exploits our planet’s natural resources. The fashion industry is responsible for a significant amount of the world’s environmental destruction, and we are committed to make signifi- cant change Sustainable fashion is the only way our world will have a future, and it starts with a collective push for ethical design and manufacturing. We are the lifeline for sustainability in mainstream fashion.
OUR COMMITMENTS
Empowerment Through Education 1 Supporting Regional Designers 2 Reducing Our Carbon Footprint 3
We are committed to … fund schools, classes, research We are committed to … guide up-and-coming design- We are committed to … prioritize organizations in the
projects, and educational programs with a focus on ers, and encourage established professionals to create a Middle East that promote “zero waste policies” and car-
sustainability in fashion. sustainable collections with the hope they will eventually bon-neutral, carbon-free, and carbon-negative pro-
become a carbon-neutral fashion brand. grams.
In order to make the fashion industry more sustainable, we're
taking a pledge to Educate, Encourage, and Empower. Our primary mission is to connect local designers with the Though one of our primary goals is to be the first totally and
Working in tandem with international fashion schools, our global market by supporting them as they grow their brand – completely sustainable fashion council and fashion week, a
focus is to integrate environmentally responsible and introducing them to the right market, at the right time. We are conscious effort will be made to offset any carbon emissions
financially viable practices into the complete supply chain committed to empowering fashion designers through our projects and events may cause (like air travel, etc).
lifecycle – from product design and development, to material "hands-on" collaboration, and to strengthen their confidence Funding research projects with a focus on preservation of the
selection, manufacturing, packaging, etc. We are the and resolve as they set the stage for the future of fashion. environment, conservation of natural resources, and carbon
lifeblood of sustainability in mainstream fashion. emission reduction are at the top of our list.
Scholarship Fund 4 Manufacturer Transparency 5 Support Humanitarian Initiatives 6
We are committed to … create scholarship opportunities We are committed to … support sustainable manufactur- We are committed to … partner and work with charities
for students with a passion for sustainability in fashion ers with an emphasis on traceability. with an authentic humanitarian mission.
and meet the criteria for future education funding.
As proponents of ‘Ethical Fashion,' our desire to positively
From history, distribution, location and application of prod-
promote fashion ethical production and manufacturing
We understand that knowledge is power, and that positive ucts, parts and materials, human rights, labour (including
means supporting charities that actively advocate against
change increases a thousandfold when we are equipped health and safety), the environment, and anti-corruption –
poor working conditions, exploitation of innocents, unfair
with the skills for success. After their collegiate obligations we’re dedicated to ensuring the reliability of the fashion
trade, wasteful production, and welfare. We are champions
have been met, we will offer the graduate available world’s sustainability claims. We encourage commercial rela-
for civil, social, and ethical justice in the Middle East.
opportunities (in their field of study) within the MEFC. tionships that build and improve rural and urban economies
in less privileged areas and regions.
Partnerships For the Cause 7
We are committed to … support and contribute to
events that positively promote sustainability in fashion,
as well as initiatives that the industry intersects with.MIDDLE EAST
SUSTAINABLE
FASHION FORUM
ABOUT
The Middle East Sustainable Fashion Forum (MESFF) is driven by love and respect for our planet and its people. We take our commitments to the
initiative seriously and feel called to advocate on behalf of the environmentally conscious.
Ethical, and environmentally-sound strategies where everyone wins, are the only solutions we are interested in. Our forum analyzes, measures, and
innovates so that businesses and brands can advance a critical global agenda, while instructing those that fall short on how to improve. It is our mis-
sion to bring together partners that share a collective vision for a healthier planet and a a sustainable futureSTATISTICS The alarming statistics showing the current state of our self-inflicted environmental crisis is a strong motivator for change. We cannot continue to produce and consume in the manner that we have. The following statistics are a brief overview of the planet’s most pressing issues and concerns: 8.1% 20% - 35% 19.9% World’s greenhouse gas emissions, Of all primary source micro-plastics in the In recent years, the value of the is what the fashion industry (including marine environment are from synthetic ethical clothing market increased apparel and footwear) accounts for. clothing, according to academic estimates. 148 Million Tons 60% 7,000 Liters Of fashion waste is expected by the Of millennials say they want to shop more Of water are used in the making year of 2030 sustainably of a pair of jeans.
STATISTICS
1% 20% 35% 1.2 Billion Tons
Under 1% of the material used to Less than 20% of global fashion The fashion industry is projected Textile production is a major
produce clothing is recycled into companies have pledged to make to use 35% more land for fiber contributor to climate change.
new clothing at the end of its life. changes to their process in favor of production by 2030 It produces an estimated 1.2 billion tons of CO2 equivalent
(CO2e) per year – more than international flights and maritime
adopting more sustainable practices. An extra 115 million hectares that could be left for biodiversity or
used to grow crops to feed an expanding population.
shipping combined.
24%, 11% -36% 15% 3/5
Cotton farming is responsible for 24% Worldwide clothing utilization has dropped Of people only recycle their old New items of clothing are thrown
of insecticides and 11% of pesticides by 36% compared to how much we used or used clothing. away and incinerated within one
despite using only 3 per cent of the our clothes 15 years ago. year of purchase.
world’s arable land.UPCOMING EVENTS
Our upcoming events in 2021 will set the new gold standard for sustainable fashion and generate a
much-needed momentum and collective effort on behalf of local and international brands, businesses,
and organizations.
First Edition Second Edition
A week-long “fashion extravaganza” with 20+ designers and a three-day During Middle East Fashion Week, the Middle East Fashion Council is organizing
fashion sustainability forum with a focusing on the SDGs 9, 12, and 17 of the world’s first carbon-neutral fashion event entitled “Sustainable Fashion Days”
the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (Industry, Innovation at the Sustainable City in Dubai. The location is a completely carbon-neutral
and Infrastructure, Responsible Consumption and Production of Energy, venue where the designers will showcase their sustainable collections and the
and Partnerships For the Goals). The event will be a stunning display of carbon footprint from air travel and internal travel will be offset through our
creativity, flair, talent, and innovation. conscious and deliberate carbon neutral initiatives – making this the world’s first
truly sustainable fashion week. We also aim to organize an international summit
on sustainable fashion.DAY 3 SDG 12
DAY 2 SDG 9
DAY 1 SDG 17
MIDDLE EAST
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Time Segment Program Agenda
11:00 AM - 11:10 AM Keynote Address SDG of the day
11:10 AM - 11:50 AM Morning Session Panel Discussion 1 Topic 1 POS (Program, Opportunity, Solution)
11:50 AM - 12:30 PM Panel Discussion 2 Topic 2 POS
12:30 PM - 01:30 PM Break Lunch & Stands, Catwalk
01:30 PM - 01:45 PM Video Presentation
01:45 PM - 02:15 PM Afternoon session Technology Showcase Solution
02:20 PM - 03:00 PM Panel Discussion 3 Topic 3 POSDay 1 SDG 17 - PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE GOALS Introduction of the problem of unsustainable fashion industry and its environmental and economic impact on our resources (water, land, air, energy, labour) using facts and statistics. In response to this UN created 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) as a universal call to action to protect the planet and people to live in peace and prosperity. Topic 1 – Partnership between Retailers and Manufacturers • The behaviour revolution: How brands can respond to today's consumers' desires • Complexity of fashion supply chain and impact on SDGs. • Power of retail demand in addressing manufacturing practices • Demand and desire for eco-friendly products • Impact of existing coalition platforms to bring together sustainability professionals Topic 2 – Partnership between Fashion Platforms for Change • Fashion platforms and their activities • How can fashion platforms move from micro level to local and global scale? • How can the fashion platforms leverage the SDGs for positive change? Topic 3 – Partnership between Private and Government • Role of government in the fashion industry • Do fashion labels and standards promote awareness of sustainable fashion? • Positive and negative labelling to effect consumer change • How to reduce the carbon footprint of the industry? • Protection of natural resources from cradle to grave
Day 2 SDG 9 - INDUSTRY, INNOVATION & INFRASTRUCTURE Topic 1 – Industry • The fashion dilemma: fast vs slow fashion (sustainable fashion) • How to mainstream innovative solutions? • Can a circular business model compete with the conventional (linear) one? • Sustainable fashion trends (outlets, vintage stores, clothes rental, refurbishing, new generation fabrics) Topic 2 – Innovation in manufacturing and distribution • Using innovation effectively for design process • Innovations in production methods and distribution systems • Reducing and controlling toxic materials in production • Lowering water and energy use intensity during production • Success stories from around the world Topic 3 – Infrastructure • Building resilient infrastructure around the fashion industry • Upgrading current infrastructure to use clean energy resources. • Technologies for wastewater treatment and reuse in fashion
Day 3 SDG 12 - RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION & PRODUCTION Topic 1 – Responsible Consumption • Education for responsible consumer behavior (and accountability) • Role of media and fashion culture (pop) • Role of fashion influencers Topic 2 – Responsible Production • Smart creation -exploring ecological materials and products • Improving availability and accessibility to organic cotton seeds • Reducing the ecological footprint of fashion (energy, water, materials, and land) • Using fair labor practices to promote sustainable fashion Topic 3 – Summary of the 3 SDGs • Setting fashion goals for the next decade (2021-2030) • Looking for partners for next summit • Engaging DTCM • Emphasis on 4% of GHG and other alarming statistics
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CONCLUSION
The 21st century has no choice but to be the Century of Restoration. Sustainability is the only way forward and minimizing our
carbon footprint will be challenging and complex. It will require unparalleled unity and perseverance, but by working together
on this vision for the future, we are creating something truly special that will ultimately restore faith in a better tomorrow.MIDDLE EAST SUSTAINABLE FASHION FORUM
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