Fashion 4 Development held its second annual Sustainable Goals Banquet on Monday night, kicking off a week of social impact events for the fashion and philanthropic group.
Bringing together world leaders, first ladies, diplomats, philanthropists, climate change activists, entrepreneurs and more, the banquet kicked off with a VIP red carpet and coincided with the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly. True to the mission that F4D founder and president Evie Evangelou espoused when she founded the organization in 2011, the platform supports the goals of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals through partnerships, events and programs with social impact—something fashion has learned a lot from. last years.
F4D gave Agents of Change awards to those tackling food security, extreme poverty, education and those taking action for a healthier planet, cultural preservation and gender equality.
The awards went to: Hugh Evans and Simon Moss of the Global Citizen charity music festival, for “Impact to End Extreme Poverty”. The award was accepted by Liza Henshaw, president of Global Citizen, (celebrating its 10th run this weekend in New York’s Central Park and Black Star Square in Accra, Ghana); Texas Biotechnology Inc. based in Houston for “Impact on Food Security” with its soil-nourishing product RezFree, accepted by Yunus Dogan, chairman of Texas Biotech; Odessa Rae, director and producer, CNN documentary “Navalny” for Impact Through Film; Richard Kane, executive director of private jet company Verijet for “Green Travel” and Education Above All for “Impact Through Education”.
Mubarak Al-Thani, EAA’s head of development, accepted the award on behalf of the foundation, which was founded by Her Royal Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser. “We have successfully convinced governments to rethink their debts and [prioritize] education”, said Al-Thani, after accepting the award. EAA campaigns have reached 11 million people.
Filmmaker Odessa Rae, upon receiving her award, addressed the importance of the film to the achievement of democracy. Her documentary “Navalny” follows Putin critic Alexei Navalny in his campaign against the Russian president. “I think it’s our responsibility as producers to never underestimate the power of cinema to communicate a message and to use that power,” she said.
Performances abounded, beginning with a fashion session complete with elaborate glittering costumes (a standout wig is a delicate flower bush) and gilded mannequins throughout the Park Avenue venue.
Dionne Warwick, in a white suit topped with a bright purple blouse, also performed her 1966 hit “What the World Needs Now,” after playing a recording of the new song “Free,” written by the singer of award-winning Diane Warren and produced by Son of Warwick, Grammy Award-winning producer Damon Elliott. The song is part of the Musicians in the Key of Free initiative, in support of refugees around the world.
Following the banquet is Tuesday’s 10th First Ladies Luncheon celebrating “Ten Decades of Fashion 1920 to 2020,” with special remarks by New York State Senator and Fashion Act sponsor Alessandra Biaggi, as and a film presentation at the Museum. of Modern Art on Wednesday. In partnership with the Human Kind Institute, the film screening will debut “Human Kind” based on the book “Be Your Own Harmonist” by Lola Till.
