Global Fashion Agenda’s CEO Federica Marchionni opened the 2025 edition of the Global Fashion Summit in Copenhagen by admitting it’s “an extremely challenging time for sustainability” with the world experiencing an “enormous amount of change”.
She said: “This is an uncertain moment in history marked by negative forces, including greater economic turmoil, political division, ongoing conflicts and now trade disruption.
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“We need to be a force for good. Indeed, fashion can play its part in advancing social and environmental progress, and we need to ensure that sustainability remains a fundamental priority for government, businesses and consumers.”
She pointed out climate change is not a narrative with the 10 hottest years on record all occurring in the last decade and 2024, alone, seeing over 150 unprecedented weather events”.
She continued: “Let me tell you this, the only certainty in this uncertain world is climate change. As we adapt, countries and communities must be supported to respond to current and future climate change impacts.
“As fashion is contributing to the climate crisis tool, it must not only mitigate its environmental impact, but also support value chain adaptation to build long term resilience.”
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By GlobalDataMarchionni shared that her organisation has long moved beyond inspiration and is now doubling down on implementation.
She asserted that leadership is the “essential force” that will drive progress in the industry as a whole, adding: “Yes fashion is facing barriers and yes we may have to change our plans to reach our end goal, but leadership is needed most in times of adversity”.
The Copenhagen Fashion Summit believes now is the moment to support tenacious leadership that breaks barriers and show what’s possible with Marchionni telling the live audience that true transformation comes from collaboration and collective courage.
“I’ve always said that I’m an optimist, and I remain so even these turbulent times, because there are so many things that can bring us hope,” she said.
Marchionni urged the leaders at the conference to be courageous and become a beacon of hope.
She explained it is “easy to retreat and stay quiet” when sustainability is being scrutinised, but “true leaders will continue to be transparent about the action that they are taking and share learnings that will inspire others to take action too.
Marchionni described the ever changing tariff framework as not making things any easier and said she “appreciates this is a challenging time”.
However, she said that collaboration is essential both within and beyond the fashion sector and stated: “We should not claim all companies operating in certain categories are to blame”.
“Social and environmental issues associated within the fashion industry are prevalent across price points and locations. I urge you to look beyond segments and assess fashion companies by their intentions and most importantly, their actions to mitigate their impacts. Do they have a strategy in place for decarbonisation, resource stewardship, material use, circularity, better wage system and a more secure work environment?
“Let’s look at how they are supporting the industry transition to create a positive impact for our people and for our planet. And finally, move beyond fashion capitalism.”
“Of course, not every organisation is taking action, and many are not doing enough. Those still lagging behind must urgently step up to meet climate targets. This is why incentives that can drive clear financial, social and environmental returns are so critical,” she said.
