On June 1st, Laurence attended The United Nations Conscious Fashion and Lifestyle Network Annual Meeting held at the United Nations Headquarters, co-convened by the Fashion Impact Fund and the United Nations Office for Partnerships, both as an advisory committee member and featured expert for a panel focused on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal, Life on Land: The Role of the Lifestyle Sector.
The United Nations Conscious Fashion and Lifestyle Network is an online platform for industry stakeholders, media, Governments, and UN system entities to showcase and enable collaborations that accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals – a mission that the Laurence Carr Team passionately espouses in every project we approach.
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.
The second annual meeting of the UN CFNL was rich with advisory committee members, industry stakeholders, industry leaders, media, and United Nations representatives, all dedicated to highlighting actions, solutions, and progress from the fashion and lifestyle sectors to advance sector engagement in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
In response to the significant impact of the fashion and lifestyle sectors on societies and the environment, this year’s meeting emphasized reviewing how those sectors are mobilizing expertise, innovation, technology, and resources toward achieving a more just and equitable world.
Life on Land: The Role of the Lifestyle Sector was moderated by Andrea Bossi (Fashion and Beauty Writer, Fashionista), and featured Laurence alongside Mariama Camara (Founder, KANAFRIK) and fellow CFLN Member Eshita Kabra (Founder and CEO, By Rotation).
“I work with national organizations… to promote best practices and raise awareness among consumers as well as professional audiences with the important concepts, such as we can create beautiful, functional, innovative, and luxurious interiors but still reduce our carbon footprint, minimize waste, improve air quality, manage water use, design for health and wellness, ensure social equity, enhance biodiversity, and protect our natural resources while incorporating circular end-use products and materials.” — Laurence Carr
It was a robust exploration of sustainability in the fashion and lifestyle sectors, and how the Sustainable Development Goals can guide these sectors toward actionable solutions that make a positive impact.
“How can we sharpen our awareness and education on the quality of healthy materials in the spaces we inhabit, work, and travel to? I encourage everyone to become more curious about furniture products, decor, accessories, art, and materials in interiors. And wherever you are, look around and ask yourself, ask showroom reps, and store clerks: where are third-party certification labels, do they benefit our health and the longevity of our planet‘s resources?”
— Laurence Carr
To watch the recorded panel in its entirety, click here.
Laurence was deeply honored to be invited to speak on behalf of the design, architecture, and built environment industries about the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals in relation to these sectors, and looks forward to future collaborations with the UN Conscious Fashion and Lifestyle Network in the future.
From The Spin Off: Be ready for next UN Conscious Fashion and Lifestyle Network
For more information on the CFLN work, please contact us.
Laurence Carr
Image Credit:
Photo 2: Courtesy of Laurence Carr
Photos 4 & 5: Andrea Bossi, Mariama Carama, Laurence Carr, Eshita Kabra
Photo 6: At the private reception in front of the SDGs wall
Photo 7: Kerry Banningan and Laurence Carr
