Come and join the more than 500 prominent figures from government, international organizations, and fashion and cosmetics industries as they meet in Geneva on 20-21 January to call for action against the rapid loss of the world’s biodiversity.

The two-day programme -- being held in observance of the United Nations 2010 International Year for Biodiversity -- will begin with a high-profile business seminar and conclude with an "EcoChic" fashion show and exhibition launch celebrating sustainable fashion and accessories. Over 50 looks have been donated by designers from around the world, including the renowned figures Diane Von Furstenberg, Manish Arora, Bora Aksu, and Thakoon. In addition, established "sustainable" fashion labels such as Edun, Noir, Ciel, and Kumvana Gomani will contribute garments and accessories from their latest collections.

The timely seminar will provide a collaborative platform to discuss the need to redefine sustainability. Through the viewpoint of the fashion and luxury industries, participants will gain a unique insight into the role that governments, businesses, and consumers can play in supporting biodiversity conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources.

Through interactive panel discussions and in-depth case studies, the 1.5 day seminar will cover issues such as:

• Redefining Sustainability: Why Biodiversity and Why Now?
• How to Implement a Successful Sustainability Strategy
• Educating and Engaging Consumers in Biodiversity Issues
• The Rise of the Ethical Consumer and Eco-Fashion in the Mass Market
• Luxury Brands as Sustainable Role Models
• Environmental Traceability, Accountability and Certification
• The Role of the Creative Industries in Developing Economies
• The Role of Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships
• Paving the road towards the CBD COP 10 and the revision of the International Biodiversity Targets.

Confirmed participants include representatives from business, international organizations, government, media and NGOs such as:

• Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary, Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
• Willen Wijnstekers, Secretary-General, Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES)
• Dermot Rowan, Managing Director, Orla Kiely
• Burak Cakmak, Director CSR, Gucci Group
• Giulia Di Tommaso, Director of Legal Policy and International Relations, Unilever
• Jean-Fraçois Fournon, Global Creative Director, Saatchi & Saatchi Simko
• Hans Steisslinger, Head R&D Natural Cosmetics, Weleda Group AG
• Peter Ingwersen, Founder, Noir
• Tamsin Blanchard, Style Director, The Telegraph Magazine
• Sarah Ratty, Founder and CEO, Ciel
• Alphadi, President & Founder, Festival International de la Mode Africaine
• Jean-Luc Ansel, Director General, Cosmetic Valley
• Isabel Berz, Director Fashion School, Istituto Europea di Design Madrid
• Kate Dillon, Model and M.P.A. in international development
• Tamsin LeJeune, Founder, Ethical Fashion Forum
• Erin O’Conner, Model
• Summer Rayne Oaks, Model and Sustainability Strategist, SRO

and many others....

This must-attend event has been co-organised by United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and Hong Kong charity Green2greener as part of the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity.

Pre-registration for the seminar is essential.

The fashion show is by invitation only.

Further information available by contacting Eduardo Escobedo at eduardo.escobedo@unctad.org