SDC Contributes to Global Apparel Sector Dialogue on ESG & Sustainability

This week, SDC was pleased to contribute to the discussions of the International Conference on ‘Modern Challenges and Opportunities for the Apparel Sector’ jointly convened by the Monash Business School– Monash University, Australia and the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) Sri Lanka in Colombo. The Conference focused on ESG (Environment, Social and Governance), Circular Economy, Smart Manufacturing and Supply Chains and aimed to empower organizations to address these modern challenges while placing the spotlight on Sri Lanka Apparel.

Joining the Panel Discussion on ‘Current Actions and their Impact on ESG related Outcomes in the Apparel Industry’, the DG-SDC, Chamindry Saparamadu highlighted that if businesses can integrate ESG considerations into their strategies and operations, they can contribute to a shared vision with government and other stakeholders to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She emphasized that it is important that approaches to ESG goes beyond merely compliance and reporting but addressed as core part of the business model and strategy with a clear focus on impact linked to branding which will help Sri Lankan apparel sector to reinforce its respected position in the global fashion industry as well as leverage the increasing global market opportunities for sustainable apparels and textiles.

The other speakers for the session included Felix Fernando, CEO of Omega Lines, Nemanthie Kooragamage, Director, Group Sustainable Business at MAS Holdings, Piyumi Sumanasekara, Principal Partner at KPMG Sri Lanka and Gayan Ranasinghe from Control Union. The Panel Discussion was moderated by Dr, Glen Croy, Associate Professor/ Deputy Head of Department, Monash Business School.

The Key Note Presentation of the Conference delivered by Prof. Mohan Munasinghe – 2021 Blue Planet Prize Laureate, and Vice-Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)// Founder Chairman of the Munasinghe Institute for Development - focused on the Challenges of Sustainability for the Apparel Industry, Balanced Inclusive Green Growth (BIGG), and Low C Production in a Multipolar World.