Fashion Summit

Offentliggjort onsdag d. 9. december 2009

Good afternoon,

It is encouraging to see that more than 500 decision makers and opinion leaders in the Nordic fashion industry have gathered here today in Copenhagen for the Fashion Summit.

I know that a tremendous amount of work has been done across the Nordic countries prior to the summit in your effort to develop a coherent 10-year action plan and a common code of conduct for the Nordic fashion industry. It is essential for the industry and the world that as many as possible take collective action to promote sustainability and social responsibility.

I would like to thank the Nordic Fashion Association for inviting me to announce the winner of the design competition and for giving the new generation of Nordic designers the opportunity to present their ideas on sustainable fashion. The Nordic Fashion Association should also be recognised for taking the initiative to develop a framework whereby the industry can better operate with respect to social, ethical and environmental responsibility.

Copenhagen is currently hosting from more than 190 countries for the 15^th UN Climate Change Conference. Political leaders, governmental decision makers, the civil society, and not least the international business community are here to discuss and decide what action is to be taken on a major common challenge. Climate change is a fact and scientists have presented us with the risks if we don’t take action now. We need a global collective action to tackle the pressing challenges of climate change.

The fashion industry is full of great ideas and creative people, people who are eager to embrace change, and who are always ahead of time. It is an industry that picks up on and mirrors the developments in society.

I’m sure your creativity and innovation have played an important part, not only today but during your work prior to the summit. I’m looking forward to seeing your efforts being implemented beyond the catwalk – in the business processes and practices. I hope that the Nordic collaboration will serve as an inspiration for the international fashion community to proactively address the global environmental, social and ethical challenges.

The purpose of the design competition is to showcase new innovative materials. On the runway, 20 talented, new generation designers from the Nordic countries have just demonstrated how fashion can embrace sustainability and social responsibility – and at the same time delight us in terms of aesthetics.

I understand that the panel of judges has convened all morning, and that it has been a tough decision to decide on a winner. However, a decision has been made…..

Tilbage