UN mission on eco-design for the circular textile management and business administration

“This is of great importance in the EU's circular textiles strategy,” said Rudrajeet Pal, who last year developed a similar basic training on the circular textile economy.

Although ITC is the client, the training material is openly available and can be used at the University of Borås.

“ITC sees great potential in collaborating with the Swedish School of Textiles to implement such an education and thus in the near future be able to train the next generation of students and professionals at the beginning of their careers. We have discussed various options on how to proceed on this issue,” he added.

The International Trade Centre (ITC) runs the Global Textile and Clothing Programme, a programme funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency. The aim is to promote sustainable development in the textile and clothing industry to create jobs and income and reduce environmental impacts throughout the value chain. The programme includes the Global Textile Academy (GTA) platform, a knowledge and learning centre for professionals and enthusiasts in the natural fibres, textiles, and fashion sectors. GTA offers e-learning courses, e-library materials, and workshop-based training on various topics that are crucial to strengthen sustainability and circularity skills in the textile and fashion sector.

His role in the ITC falls within this framework. As a textile expert for ITC for just over two years, he has previously developed a training curriculum on the circular textile economy, which has been successfully implemented throughout the textile ecosystem in several producing countries such as Sri Lanka and Egypt. 

“When ITC approached me this year to develop a more specific training curriculum on eco-design for textile circularity, I saw it as a great responsibility and a huge honour.”

How long will this role last?

“I began in June this year and it is likely to last until December or January next year. The timetable depends on when we can pilot the new training in a number of countries.”

What is the next step?

“I am currently developing the content of the curriculum. It should be delivered to the ITC by the end of October. Next, we will pilot the project with actors in the textile ecosystem in two textile producing countries, probably Sri Lanka and Egypt, as the project is already implemented there. However, the curriculum is universal, meaning that it is not country-specific and is relevant for all actors in the textile value chain in all countries that want to prepare for ecodesign in their circular transition. This applies to retailers and brands, manufacturers and producers, trade associations, or universities training the professionals of the future.”

What does your role mean for the Swedish School of Textiles and the University of Borås?

“This means that we can become a global change agent. It will be a unique collaboration with a UN organisation, where education in the circular textile economy can be implemented globally, side by side.” 

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Global Textile Academy (GTA) 

Want to know more? Contact Rudrajeet Pal