Workshop on a just transition and skills development in the textiles and clothing sector

The textiles and clothing sector was pivotal for economic growth and job creation globally, particularly benefiting women, who formed the majority of its workforce. It served as a cornerstone for both European and other economies worldwide, contributing significantly to national GDPs and employment. In 2023, textiles and clothing represented more than 6% of all manufactured goods globally.

However, the manufacturing processes in this sector were resource-intensive and had a significant environmental impact. These processes consumed vast amounts of water, contributed to greenhouse gas emissions, and resulted in microplastic pollution in the oceans. Annually, the industry used around 215 trillion litres of water and emitted 2-8% of the world’s greenhouse gases.

The industry faced increasing pressure to transition towards sustainability. This shift was driven by innovations in materials and resource-efficient manufacturing technologies, as well as new legislative requirements, particularly in Europe. Manufacturers led efforts to adopt circular economy principles and eco-friendly practices, which presented both opportunities for productive jobs and challenges in ensuring that no one was left behind.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) indicated that the transition to new circular business models and cleaner production processes required upskilled textiles and clothing workers. STEM skills were increasingly in demand as consumer preferences changed and environmental regulations became stricter. The ILO promoted cooperation between governments and social partners to address skills needs and employment challenges in the sector. They conducted studies on future skills needs in several textiles-producing countries.

In light of the rapid changes and significant challenges the textiles and clothing industry faced, the proposed workshop was a unique and timely opportunity to share experiences and find consensus on the best way forward. It brought together employers' and workers' organizations from Europe and the rest of the world to address the profound changes in the industry.

Objectives

The primary objective of the workshop, which took place within the framework of the EU-supported project "Advancing decent work in supply chains through sectoral social dialogue," was to promote an exchange of good practices and lessons learned on a just transition and skills development in the sector. To this end, the workshop brought together social partners in Europe and other countries with a large textile and clothing industry to promote a more sustainable textiles and clothing sector.

This included:

• Better understanding the drivers, megatrends and regulatory changes that are shaping the industry in Europe and globally;
• Sharing knowledge and best practices on transitioning to environmental sustainability and circularity;
• Raising awareness of tripartite constituents and key stakeholders of the importance of buildingadequate skills and ways to invest in skills anticipation, skills development and lifelong learning;
• Enhancing the capabilities of workers and employers to further design and adopt sustainable practices and skills development strategies;
• Fostering collaboration and partnerships to drive sustainability initiatives across regions and countries.

In particular, the workshop addressed the following questions:

• What are opportunities and challenges in the industry to promote economic, social and environmental sustainability?
• How does a just transition affect the skills development in the sector? What specific skills are needed now and in the future to ensure a more sustainable sector?
• What are the strategies for skilling, reskilling and upskilling to meet the increasing demand for green skills in the textiles and garment sector?
• What are experiences and good practices in providing/improving green skills for workers in the textiles and garment sector, taking into account the specific needs of women?
• How can these be replicated?

Target group

The workshop brought together participants from different groups:

• Representatives from employers and workers organizations at global level
• Representatives from employers’ and workers’ organizations from the textiles sector in selected countries
• Resource persons from within the sector and from UN organizations working on sustainability issues in the sector

Expected outcomes

The workshop represented a contribution towards achieving a more sustainable textiles sector. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, it aimed to foster a collaborative approach to environmental sustainability, equipping participants with the knowledge to promote meaningful changes in the sector. The insights and strategies developed during the workshop served as a foundation for ongoing efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of the textiles industry.

By the end of the workshop, the participants had:

• A deeper understanding of the environmental impacts of the textiles sector and the urgency for sustainable practices.
• Enhanced knowledge to implement strategies for developing and upgrading skills for a just transition.
• Identified potential areas for collaboration and partnerships.
• Developed actionable strategies and commitments to drive sustainability in the textiles sector.