Roberta Annan's UNEP Goodwill Ambassador.

Empowering Sustainability in the Global Fashion Industry:

UNEP Goodwill Ambassador Roberta Annan’s Vision

https://www.unep.org/people/roberta-annan

As the UNEP Goodwill Ambassador for Sustainable Fashion, Ms. Roberta

Annan is a powerful advocate for integrating sustainability into the fashion

sector. Her role emphasizes the urgency of creating a fashion ecosystem that

balances ethical production, environmental conservation, and cultural heritage.

Ms. Annan’s work with the African Fashion Foundation (AFF), Black Heritage

Textiles Limited (BHTC) and its collaborations with global fashion stakeholders

serve as a beacon for developing a more sustainable, circular fashion

economy. AFF’s programs focus on training designers in eco-friendly practices,

offering grants to businesses that prioritize ethical values, and facilitating

connections that elevate African fashion on the global stage.

Key initiatives such as the Scouting for Africa program and the African Fashion

Future Incubator reflect her commitment to building a sustainable future for

African creatives. These programs offer educational resources, grants, and

exposure to global markets, all while reinforcing the importance of sustainable

fashion practices.

Furthermore, Ms. Annan’s focus on the intersection of fashion, sustainability,

and women’s empowerment shines through projects like the Kayayei Fashion

Training Program, which helps disadvantaged women access training in

traditional and contemporary fashion skills. Through these initiatives, she aims

to build a more resilient and inclusive fashion ecosystem, one that reduces

waste, promotes ethical labor practices, and showcases Africa’s cultural

richness on the global stage

Through her UNEP ambassadorship, Ms. Annan is committed to catalyzing

a global shift toward sustainable fashion, driving a new paradigm of

collaboration, innovation, and environmental responsibility in the fashion

industry. By facilitating industry visits, such as those in collaboration with the

Yanibes Foundation, she is working to bridge the gap between African artisans,

designers, and global sustainable practices, ensuring that the creative

economy benefits both people and the planet.

Her vision for a green future in the fashion industry is not just about reducing

environmental impact it is about creating a global movement that celebrates

diversity, fosters innovation, and prioritizes sustainability in every stitch, thread,

and design.