Since 2019, we have been advocating for the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Texpertise Network. With panel talks, press conferences, interactive lounges, influencer events, podcasts and other formats, we make the SDGs more visible and liveable. To do this, the Texpertise Network utilises the unique reach of its more than 50 textile events worldwide.
Messe Frankfurt Texpertise Network commits to the Sustainable Development Goals in global collaboration with the United Nations Conscious Fashion and Lifestyle Network (CFLN) and the United Nations Office for Partnerships (UNOP). Our aim is to raise awareness and to share knowledge about the SDGs at all of our more than 50 textile events worldwide - from Frankfurt to New York, Atlanta, Shanghai and Paris.
Report ‚Texpertise Network and the Sustainable Development Goals‘
Between 2019 and 2023, we have steered our work into concrete actions together with our customers and partners. This report is designed to provide an overview of what has already been achieved and, at the same time form, an incentive to continue our efforts to accelerate the achievement of the goals by 2030.
17 goals, more than 50 annual textile events worldwide, more than 500,000 people a year: With its worldwide textile events, the Texpertise Network provides a unique coverage for support of the SDGs. With the help of the participating subsidiaries, sales partners and, we have already achieved a lot internationally to date. Here are a few selected examples:
January 2019
Photo campaign and talks by the Conscious Fashion Campaign as part of NEONYT
At a stand of its own at the Conscious Fashion Campaign, NEONYT visitors and exhibitors could familiarise themselves with the SDGs and send digital greetings onto social media.
December 2019
Joint press conference by the Texpertise Network, the Conscious Fashion Campaign and the UNOP at the headquarters of the United Nations in New York
In the presence of around 100 guests, representing the press, business, government and various associations, the three joint partners provided an insight into their future collaboration, by means of which they aim to promote realisation of the SDGs in the textile industry further.
January 2020
Integration of SDGs as part of Heimtextil via an interactive exhibition stand, panel discussions and Green Directory
During the 50th anniversary programme of Heimtextil, the world’s largest and most important trade fair for home and contract textiles, the SDGs were profled to a broad public from the architectural, interior-design and hospitality sectors.
January 2020
An interactive exhibition stand by the Conscious Fashion Campaign as part of NEONYT and SDG panel talk on the occasion of the Fashionsustain Conference
The SDGs were highlighted for the first time as part of the international NEONYT Fashionsustain Conference through the panel discussion entitled SDGs X Fashion – The UN’s Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action.
December 2020
Participation by the Texpertise Network in Discover the SDGs, a virtual education and trade-fair event
Discover the SDGs comprises a virtual and active exhibition featuring the 17 goals plus on-demand discussions between representatives of the industry and representatives of the UN.
July 2021
Messe Frankfurt, in collaboration with the Conscious Fashion Campaign and the United Nations Conscious Fashion & Lifestyle Network launched the Frankfurt Fashion SDG Summit.
Keynote talks, interviews, panel discussions and performances sketched the global status of fashion and design, setting out the path to transformation in the industry, to a politics of humanity, to climate protection, and to clean oceans.
June 2022
Taking part in the first annual conference of the United Nations Conscious Fashion & Lifestyle Network
At the beginning of June 2022, the international network of representatives from the fashion and lifestyle industry, media, governments and UN institutions, met together for their first annual conference at the head-quarters of the United Nations in New York – and among them was the Texpertise Network of Messe Frankfurt.
June 2022
Incorporating the SDGs into the first NEONYT Lab
At the end of June 2022 the Texpertise Network opened to end consumers for the first time, in the shape of the NEONYT Lab. Visitors were able to assemble sustainable fashion styles and purchase them directly, find information and network, or become active themselves.
January 2023
SDG Talk at NEONYT in Düsseldorf
In January 2023, the SDGs were presented at NEONYT in the course of a panel talk during the Fashionsustain Conference. The aim of the talk was to build a connection between the global perspective and strong regional and local sector communities.
Voices from the network
„Since our Texpertise Network reflects the whole of the value-added chain, we regard this as a duty, and at the same time as an opportunity, to promote the Sustainable Development Goals actively at our worldwide textile events, in order to sharpen global awareness of the need for more sustainability, and to meet the manifold challenges of our time.“
“Mobilizing expertise, innovation, technology and resources can only be achieved through strong partnerships. Messe Frankfurt‘s Texpertise Network was one of the first members and valuable partners of the Conscious Fashion and Lifestyle Network.“
"The textile industry is characterised by stark contrasts. In the sector, one can find both traditional craftsmanship as well as high-tech with fully digitalised and automated production processes. At the same time, delivery chains are more complex and interlinked on a global scale than in virtually any other industry. Sustainability can only be achieved in close cooperation with the right partners."
Global reach
Through our voluntary commitment to the SDGs and our related initiatives we are reaching the industry’s exhibitors and trade visitors, media professionals, social-media multipliers, end consumers and representatives of government equally.
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals
The Sustainable Development Goals are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and improve the lives and prospects of everyone, everywhere. The Sustainable Development Goals are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice.
About the UNITED NATIONS CONSCIOUS FASHION AND LIFESTYLE NETWORK
The Conscious Fashion and Lifestyle Network is an online platform for governments and non-governmental organisations, and for representatives of the fashion and lifestyle industry, within the platform of Partnerships for SDGs – the worldwide register of the United Nations for voluntary commitments and multi-stakeholder partnerships contributing to the promotion of the SDGs. The community facilitates networking between leaders of industry and enables new partnerships to be created in order to realise sustainable transformation.
The network is a joint initiative of the United Nations Office for Partnerships and the Fashion Impact Fund; in collaboration with the Division for Sustainable Development Goals – United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs.
