The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has joined fashion brands, retailers and other stakeholders in becoming a signatory of the Fashion Charter for Climate Action.

Launched under the auspices of United Nations Climate Change by leading designer, Stella McCartney, in December 2018, the charter aligns with the goals of the Paris Agreement and aims to build climate action momentum by collectively addressing the climate impact of the fashion sector across its entire value chain.

Recognising the need for a rapid, effective and transformative global response to climate change, ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO said:

“Taking action on climate is everyone’s business. With a network of 45 million companies, ICC has the global reach and business experience to help turn the fashion industry into a driver of the implementation of the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals.”

The charter covers a range of issues, including the decarbonisation of production processes, selection of climate-friendly and sustainable materials, low-carbon transport, consumer dialogue and awareness, how to work with the finance community and policymakers to catalyse scalable solutions and circular business models.

ICC reinforced its commitment at the launch event for the UN Alliance for Sustainable Fashion during the fourth session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA4), which was held on 14 March in Nairobi, Kenya. Commenting on ICC’s pledge to engage with members to join the call to action, Director of ICC Green Inclusive Growth, Majda Dabaghi said:

“As a signatory of the charter, ICC aims to mobilise our global network — from SMEs in the supply chain to major high street and luxury brands — to draw greater attention to the fashion industry’s environmental footprint and support the mainstreaming of environmental sustainability across the global fashion value chain.”

The Alliance for Sustainable Fashion is a culmination of efforts by the UN and other stakeholders to coordinate an international response to the fashion industry’s effect on the environment and take a comprehensive approach to achieve the SDGs. Alliance members include the UN Global Compact, which acts as the UN flagship for responsible business action, where Mr Denton is a Board Member.

Acting as the world business organization, ICC has been on the ground at UNEA4 throughout the event week, working with governments, business and a range of other stakeholders to contribute solutions to environmental challenges and sustainable consumption and production patterns.

As ICC celebrates it’s centenary, it continues to rally its members, many of whom are the world’s leading brands, SMEs, business associations and local chambers of commerce, to innovate and scale-up their sustainable business activities.  Ms Dabaghi said:

“We believe that the private sector should play a leading role in helping drive the transformational change that is needed to meet our collective environmental challenges.”

The ICC Statement on Sustainable Consumption and Production was also launched at UNEA4. The document highlights world business efforts to develop and adopt sustainable consumption and production practices and integrate sustainability into businesses’ core operations.