Locations
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kosovo, together with the Embassy of Finland and the Embassy of Sweden, in partnership with the Swedish Institute marked the launch of the global campaign on climate titled “Don’t Choose Extinction” with a Fashion Revolution event which took place yesterday evening.
The event aimed to showcase the need of decreasing the pressure we put on the environment and raise awareness on the importance of climate action, green economy, and sustainable development.
The event opened the exhibition “Fashion Revolution – the future of textiles”, developed by the Swedish Institute. The exhibition, which will be running for a week, focuses on the challenges and opportunities of the fashion industry and aims to explore how we produce, use and perceive our clothes, highlighting new technologies and innovative solutions for reducing climate impact and making fashion a part of the solution.
The Fashion Revolution is the first in series of events and activities that will take place during a year-long “Don’t Choose Extinction” campaign and, on this occasion, the campaign video (the links attached at the end of the PR) was screened.
Maria Suokko, UNDP Resident Representative, in her opening remarks emphasized: “We know that Kosovo is heavily relying on fossil fuels for energy production – and switching to clean energy will not happen overnight. The green transition will require long-term commitment and resources. Most importantly, it will require clear prioritization. And this is what UNDP’s global “Don’t Choose Extinction” campaign is all about. Frankie the Dino reminds us that priorities must shift if we want humanity and earth to survive.”
H.E. Albin Kurti, Prime Minister of Kosovo who was present at the event remarked on the importance that each and every individual has in this area: “"We are committed to ensuring rapid economic growth which is, above all, sustainable and inclusive. And, in this regard, development of circular economy is important, through which we gradually move towards an economic model, where products and materials stay in use longer - and are reused or recycled."
In her speech, H. E. Karin Hernmarck, Ambassador of Sweden in Kosovo commented on the side of the fashion we do not always observe: “Fashion can be an emotional form for personal expression, a cherished pastime and a lot of fun. But the fashion industry has an ugly side, where both production and consumption have a heavy impact on climate and the environment. This exhibition wants to start the discussion in Kosovo about how to make fashion a part of the solution to the challenges we meet.”
H. E. Pia Stjernvall, Ambassador of Finland in Kosovo gave an inspiring example of a Finnish company which uses innovative technology to turn used textiles, pulp or even old newspapers into new textile fibers sustainably and without harmful chemicals through a process that converts cellulose into fibers which in turn can be made into long-lasting fabrics.
This event was also part of the ongoing UN Kosovo Team Climate Action campaign – with the aim to raise climate awareness ahead of the global climate meeting in Glasgow, the COP26, and was co-organized with the Embassies of Sweden and Finland, with contributions by the designers, producers, experts, and fashionistas. It brought together Ministers, representatives of the international community, fashion designers, and influencers.
The global pandemic has shaken the world, but it also provides a unique opportunity to re-imagine the future. Which is why, rather than go back to “business as usual”, UNDP is urging people all around the world to seize this moment to ensure a just and green transition, to invest in people and planet, and to ensure we collectively meet the ambitions of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The “Don’t Choose Extinction” campaign and film aim to shine a spotlight on fossil fuel subsidies and how they are canceling out significant progress towards ending climate change as well as raise awareness of just how critical the situation is and call to the world to step up on climate action if we are to succeed in keeping our planet safe for future generations.”
Invitation:
Media are invited to visit the Fashion Revolution exhibition which will be opened at the Termokiss premises until 5 November.
Below, please find the links to the Dino video in English, Albanian, and Serbian as well as photos from the event:
English: https://youtu.be/rTQ25QVVbCM
Albanian: https://youtu.be/VZYMNW1mvzg
Serbian: https://youtu.be/mHLtUgpUM6U
For more information, please contact:
Burbuqe Dobranja, UNDP Communications Associate
Phone: (038) 249 066 ext. 410; mobile: 049 720 800 e-mail: burbuqe.dobranja@undp.org
Danijela Mitić, Communications Associate UNDP
Phone: (038) 249 066 ext. 412; mobile: 049 720 824 e-mail: danijela.mitic@undp.org
Vjosa Rakovica Xhemaj, Information Management Officer UNDP
Mobile: 049 788 349; e-mail: vjosa.rakovica.xhemaj@undp.org
Tringë Sokoli, Social Media and Communications Associate
Phone: 049 659 016 e-mail: tringe.sokoli@undp.org
