SDGs x Fashion Policy Program

Driving Change Through Sustainable Fashion Policy

Welcome to Threading Change's SDGsxFashion Policy Program, where youth empowerment meets global sustainability goals. This innovative program aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to inspire systemic change in the fashion industry and beyond.

Fast fashion is one of the largest contributors to environmental degradation, social inequities, and economic exploitation. Our SDG Program tackles these challenges by empowering young leaders to address key focus areas: Innovation, Waste, Gender Equity, and Biodiversity.

The program’s growth and impact will be initiated and conducted by youth cohorts from 2025 to 2030, focusing on industry engagement, research, policy advocacy, and community involvement. By 2030, the goal is to have the comprehensive program integrate global youth consultation, targeted research, and actionable projects supporting policy implementation recommendations to transform the fashion industry.

Through connecting youth leaders, mentors, and global organizations, the program strives to amplify impactful solutions, strengthen partnerships, and shape a sustainable future.

Focus Areas

Innovation

Harnessing creativity to redefine sustainable fashion.

Waste

Combatting textile waste through circular economy solutions.

Gender Equity

 Advocating for fair wages and inclusive practices.

Biodiversity

Protecting ecosystems affected by fashion’s supply chain.

Timeline

This program is a comprehensive four-phase initiative aimed at developing actionable solutions aligned with the UN SDGs. Each phase seamlessly builds upon the previous one to empower youth, ignite innovation, and enhance global collaboration.

Phase 1. Local Research & Planning (2025-2026): Identify regional challenges and opportunities.

Phase 2. Global Expansion & Regional Adaptation (2025-2027): Collaborate across regions to refine solutions.

Phase 3. Implementation & Integration (2027-2028): Execute impactful projects with measurable outcomes.

Phase 4. Evaluation & Scaling (2028-2030): Expand successful initiatives and influence global platforms like COP.

York Region SDG Program

Empowering youth to design circular fashion solutions

The York Region SDG Program is a youth-led initiative by Threading Change, giving young leaders the tools, mentorship, and resources to design projects that reduce waste, promote reuse, and advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This soft launch builds on our global SDG program, but is tailored to the needs and opportunities of York Region. Over a 2-month sprint, four Youth Ambassadors will lead community-based projects tackling issues like textile waste, repair culture, and the care economy — helping to build a more circular, just fashion system.

Why It Matters

Every year, millions of pounds of textiles end up in Canadian landfills. By equipping youth with leadership skills and mentorship, the York Region SDG Program inspires hands-on, community-driven action to:

  • Reduce textile waste and promote reuse.

  • Create platforms for education and awareness.

  • Connect youth with mentorship in Innovation, Waste, Gender Equity/Pay, and Biodiversity.

Strengthen York Region’s role in building a circular economy.

What Ambassadors Will Do

Youth Ambassadors will:

  • Receive mentorship and project support from partner organizations.

  • Design and deliver one hands-on project in York Region (examples below).

  • Contribute to our final CEIF report, documenting their project’s waste reduction outcomes and community engagement.

Examples of youth-led projects:

  • Clothing swaps or textile drives.

  • Repair & mending workshops.

  • Social media campaigns or education initiatives.

  • Applied research with tangible outputs (infographic, webinar).

  • Independent letter-writing drives on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).

Mentorship Organizations Our Ambassadors Will Be Working With

Join the Program

Join the Program

Benefits of the program

  • Gain access to mentorship from global leaders in sustainable fashion

  • Develop solutions with real-world impact, from reducing textile waste to advocating for equitable fashion practices

  • Be part of a global community driving change in the fashion industry

  • Showcase your work on international platforms, influencing policy and industry practices

Get Involved!

Whether you're a youth leader, mentor, or organization, there’s a place for you in the SDG Program:

  • Youth Ambassadors: Apply to represent your region and drive change

  • Mentorship Organizations: Partner with us to guide the next generation of sustainability advocates

  • Collaborators: Contribute to workshops, events, and global advocacy

How to Apply

  1. Complete the Application: Our application form for the Canadian cohort in the York Region will open in late August 2025. Our application form for the global cohort will open in late Spring 2026.

  2. Submit Supporting Documents: Share any relevant materials to showcase your experience and passion

  3. Interview Stage: Shortlisted applicants will be invited for a virtual interview

*Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on when applications will launch!

Have Questions?

Reach out to Aish Mann for more information:

  • Email Aish: Development & Impact Director aish@threadingchange.org