From Factory to Fashion: The Role of RMG Industries and Brands in Industrial Decarbonization

Purpose:
The session aims to convene global fashion brands, manufacturers, worker representatives, and civil society to explore collaborative pathways for industrial decarbonization and financing a just energy transition in the Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector. It will serve as a platform to identify shared responsibilities, financing innovations, and enabling policy frameworks that align competitiveness with climate justice and worker wellbeing.

Theme:
The discussion will center on collective financing models, shared brand accountability, and non-debt-based mechanisms that can unlock equitable decarbonization in fashion supply chains. It will highlight how collective and cross-sectoral action, supported by international and UN-led frameworks, can address systemic barriers such as anti-trust concerns, fragmented supply chains, and inequitable fund distribution.

Key Messages:

• Shared Accountability: Decarbonizing the RMG sector demands joint responsibility between brands and manufacturers to ensure climate action aligns with fairness and inclusivity.
• Innovative Financing: The future of industrial transformation lies in non-debt-based and collective financing mechanisms, such as a global Just Transition Fund, that enable equitable and large-scale change.
• Just Transition for Workers: Climate and energy transition must not come at the expense of workers; instead, it should enhance livelihoods, safety, and skills.
• Enabling Frameworks: Legislative reforms and global cooperation are essential to overcome barriers to collaboration and establish transparent and fair financing and governance systems.