Trade fairs are often places to make deals and talk about money. But London’s Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) is about to change the general narrative. It focuses on sustainability, diversity, equity and inclusion, spotlighting new and diverse brands and voices to drive meaningful change, empowering business leaders to build a better future. It is also a gathering summit.

This year’s event featured a series of sessions highlighting some of the best practices from brand licensing leaders, with a particular focus on the world of fashion.

One of the entrepreneurs, Helena Mansell-Stopher, founder of Products of Change, provided on-the-ground guidance and networking opportunities to deepen the conversation on sustainability across the licensing industry.

“With a global retail value of over $300 billion, the brand and lifestyle licensing industry means the impact is huge,” said Helena. “But its size means it’s an industry full of opportunities to drive positive social change not just through the responsible products, but the brands it represents.

That is why we are proud to promote awareness of the amazing cross-sectoral efforts that have already been achieved by presenting the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and a good example of what can be done here at Brand Licensing Europe. think. ”

The United Nations is mandated to advance 17 Sustainable Development Goals across sectors by inviting visionary business leaders and civil society to join them in their sustainable journey. Caroline Petit, Deputy Director of the United Nations Regional Information Centre, encourages positive behavior across business before taking junk couture, the Irish youth design and education movement, to the stage for an innovative catwalk I gave a keynote speech for

Junk Couture is a showcase for the young design talent of students ages 13 to 18, empowering school-level youth to embrace the principles of sustainable living by creating apparel and couture from recycled materials. I’m here.

Four students took to the runway wearing their creations made from 100% recycled materials, including bread packages, strings, plastic bottles and even single-use shoe covers.

“We will drive change through the creative expression of young people and achieve six of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals through a range of activities led by the world’s youth, the Circular Engineers of Tomorrow.” We aim to achieve ” Junk Couture Communication.

There are many ways the licensing industry can engage with the United Nations. Some organizations are already participating in the UN Global Compact, the SDG Media Compact or the SDG Publishers Compact, breaking down harmful gender stereotypes and producing quality educational content and products such as books, toys and TV shows. Some organizations are working on it.

“Governments have a strong responsibility to act, but industries and individuals can and should also be catalysts for transforming the way products are made, produced, distributed and consumed,” Petit said. increase.

More than 8 million actions have already been recorded by individuals using the ActNow app, the United Nations sustainable action engagement tool. At the same time, industry leaders are being called upon to join the race to meet the Sustainable Development Goals and turn the current crisis into a business opportunity.

“Sustainability is not a limitation of fashion, but rather a catalyst for more passion and true creativity in the industry,” concludes Petit.

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