While pressing issues such as the climate crisis and unfair living and working conditions necessitate a restructuring of current systems, it is vital to properly manage this process for a just transition and to take the necessary steps carefully and thoughtfully.
If the fashion industry were a country, it would rank 4th in terms of population after India, China and the USA with a population of approximately 300 million. However, in such a labor-intensive industry, there is an unfair structure that extends beyond stylish and aesthetic showcases. For those not on the factory floor, this complex and systematic exploitation scheme has remained a mystery for a long time. At this point, the fashion industry is on the verge of a major transformation as the make-up has run over the years with the spread of social media and the influence of workers’ organizations and activist movements.
Experts emphasize at every opportunity that a fair transformation for all is only possible through a social dialogue process involving all stakeholders. The Clean Clothes Campaign offers an effective platform for this dialog in fashion.
“Polyphonic” Just Transition Manifesto to guide the new era of fashion
As the door opens to a new era that considers people, the planet and the economy as a whole, rather than an approach that separates and prioritizes profit-making above all other values, the Clean Clothes Campaign has made an open call for everyone to contribute to a just transition in fashion.
The Just Transition Manifesto for Fashion will set out around 10 key principles for climate and environmental action in fashion, including the protection of workers’ rights and livelihoods. These principles will be accompanied by background chapters.
Garment workers and their organizations, youth, the Clean Clothes Campaign Network and its supporters, as well as anyone who wants to contribute to the content of the manifesto, can share their thoughts online and offline here until November 16, 2025.
Afterwards, an organizing committee of youth and labor rights activists will draft the Manifesto based on the comments made on this site. The draft will then be shared on this e-portal and opened for comments around December 2025. The final Manifesto will be published on May 1, 2026.
The completed Manifesto will serve as a guideline for a just transition to a renewed future of fashion.
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