Policy
Policy is one of the most compelling forces in our industry right now and is only set to become more influential. This was a key focus point at the Copenhagen edition of the Summit and remained so in Boston.
Content
Global Fashion Summit: Boston Edition 2023 dived further into Global Fashion Agenda’s 2023 editorial theme, ‘Ambition to Action’, reflecting on and responding to what happened at Global Fashion Summit: Copenhagen Edition in June. It built on the conversations and learnings from Copenhagen.
The Theme
Ambition to Action
Despite forceful aspirations for change across the industry, it is time for fashion to leverage its potential by employing proven strategies for impact. The Summit paves the pathway to net positive, demonstrating the opportunity for the fashion industry to put back more into society, the environment and the global economy than it takes out.
Global Fashion Summit: Boston Edition 2023 dived further into Global Fashion Agenda’s 2023 editorial theme, ‘Ambition to Action’, reflecting on and responding to what happened at Global Fashion Summit: Copenhagen Edition in June. It was built on the conversations and learnings from Copenhagen, with more of a focus on the role of The Americas in accelerating action.
Content focus for the Boston Edition 2023
The content was centred around key themes including: Policy, Finance and Retail, while also complementing the core priorities of the Fashion CEO Agenda: Respectful & Secure Work Environments, Better Wage Systems, Resources Stewardship, Smart Material Choices and Circular Systems.
Finance
Financing the transition to a net positive fashion industry is a pressing issue and must be carried out equitably. This includes climate change mitigation, adaption and innovation. The Summit will make space to reflect on how organisations can take environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into account when making investment decisions.
Retail
An estimated 1.8 million people are employed in the US fashion industry, with 79 percent of these people working for apparel retailers. Retailers play a vital role in shaping consumer behaviour and driving industry change as they serve as the primary point of contact between brands and their customers. By engaging retailers, the Summit facilitated collaboration towards a more equitable and sustainable value chain overall.
Summit Features
Plenary Sessions
Plenary speakers showcase inspiring thought leadership for accelerated change by exploring a matrix of interconnected themes. Speakers discussed their mutual challenges within the industry and the actions need to tackle the urgent issues.
Action Sessions
The 2023 Boston Edition was built on more than a decade’s worth of Summit momentum and outcomes by to facilitate intimate Case Studies. Through these formats, the forum demonstrated tangible learnings where speakers will openly share evidence-based solutions and powerful initiatives that have advanced their work.
Private Roundtables
At the Summit private, closed-door leadership roundtable meetings took place. These included 10-15 key stakeholders addressing a topic via intimate discussions which have been carefully curated by GFA.
Innovation Forum
Alongside the Summit, the Innovation Forum presented a curated exhibition of the world’s leading sustainable solutions. The Innovation Forum is designed to open minds to new opportunities and spur action by allowing fashion brands to meet with a range of exhibitors from across the value chain.
