Advancing Sustainability: The Need for Regional Perspectives
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
About our conference
We are thrilled to invite you to Phnom Penh, Cambodia for the Asian Dialogues Conference 2025! As we reflect on 10 years of experiences promoting a sustainable transformation, we also celebrate a number of achievements made possible by a regional lens.
In February of 2025, more than 120+ stakeholders come together to put key voices in focus. Manufacturers will shape action, workers and worker representatives discuss targeted solutions and those supporting the transition come together in sharing experiences.
Through expert-led discussion, panels with local partners and collaboration with industry insiders, we will tackle the challenging conversations necessary for a competitive textile and garment industry that is fair for people and respects the environment.
25th of February
Due Diligence and Certification - Green Button Manufacturer Consultation
The Green Button invites *manufacturers only* to learn about HREDD.
The Green Button is the first certification scheme to assess the practices of European brands. This unique position allows it to identify when brands' practices foster or hinder sustainability in the supply chain.This session invites manufacturers to understand Green Button's HREDD assessments of their customers.
In this workshop, the Green Button seeks input from manufacturers on how it can improve its systems to create an even more impactful certification scheme that supports brands' HREDD efforts while aligning with the interests of manufacturers.
26th of February
10 Years of Promoting Regional Perspectives
Join us as the GIZ FABRIC project shares some highlights from 10 years of regional collaboration with partners to foster a competitive textile and garment industry that is fair for people and respectful of the environment.
Join us for an enlightening keynote with deep insights into the evolution of sustainability over the past decade. Our speaker will also map out potential future pathways, and the major sustainability trends that are set to shape the next ten years.
The GIZ FABRIC project will share highlights from 10 years of regional collaboration with partners to build a competitive textile and garment industry that is fair to people and respectful of the environment.
In this interactive session, industry stakeholders will share experiences from the regional journey and discuss the future direction of the industry, engaging with the audience.
Sourcing, producing and consuming sustainably is a complex journey. During this show, some pioneers from the region will share the solutions they have dicsovered.
Selected guests will have the opportunity to visit two pioneering Cambodian factories to gain deeper insights into local production. Further details will be shared via e-mail in January.
27th of February - Stream A
Building Blocks for Advancing Sustainability: Circularity, Certified Biomass and Inclusive Workforce
Through keynotes, panels, and interactive sessions, participants will explore three distinct building blocks. The day will focus on certified biomass, collective action for circularity, and strategies to amplify workers' voices.
With deforestation and HREDD efforts increasing, industry experts will share their experience in implementing successful solutions, and share their path towards sustainability in switching from Forest Wood as fuel for boilers in garment factories to Certified Plantation Wood.
This session focuses on the critical role of collective action in advancing upstream circularity. We will examine the diverse realities of collection, sorting, and recycling infrastructure in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Vietnam, Cambodia and the increasing importance of decent jobs and compliance. It will showcase practical examples of textile waste management and textile-to-textile solutions achieved through collaborative efforts.
The session addresses the importance of amplifying workers' voices, particularly female workers, in the industry. It explores key barriers to their engagement, the intersection of gender equality, worker representation in the context of corporate due diligence and offering insights into the transformative power of prioritizing workers’ perspectives.
This session walks through the overview of corporate due diligence requirements and particularly their implications to worker representation. The panel will highlight the importance of engaging workers to drive sustainable improvements and effective approaches in building a more responsible and inclusive industry.
During the parallel breakout sessions, Group #1 will explore innovative approaches to enhancing worker involvement. The session will showcase successful tools and methodologies, focusing on how these solutions can drive stronger worker engagement in the textile industry.
During the parallel breakout session, Group #2 will focus on the roles of organizations that support women workers’ voices in the sector, such as women’s representative organizations, civil society organizations, NGOs, and others. It will explore effective strategies and practical approaches these organizations have adopted to empower and motivate workers, helping them to develop skills and advocate for their rights.
Reflection and closing remarks on key insights and main takeaways from the conference.
27 February - Stream B
Business Development for Sustainability Services
Legislation is driving sustainability, leading to continous evolving requirements. A network of organizations is working to support this transition through carefully developed business services. Join this interactive discussion on the sector's needs.
EuroCham Cambodia and GIZ will welcome all participants to the opening session.
All participants will get a brief moment to introduce themselves and their company or organisation.
A panel discussion with European Business Organisations, STAR members, and other stakeholders to identify the primary and ongoing sustainability issues in Asia.
A presentation from the private sector, exploring upcoming issues, trends and potential solutions in the industry.
Overview of the Textile, Apparel, Footwear & Travel Goods Association in Cambodia (TAFTAC) and the success of the Cambodian Garment Training Institute (CGTI).
Small group-, and feedback sessions between EBO representatives, STAR members, TAFTAC, and other stakeholders on potential opportunities for collaboration.
Final interactive session on identifying immediate next steps and collaborative projects between EBOs, garment associations, and training institutions.
Wrap-up of the session and sharing contacts for future discussions, as well as networking opportunities.
Venue Details: SUN & MOON Riverside Hotel, Phnom Penh
We have blocked some rooms at reduced rates at the Sun & Moon Riverside Hotel in Phnom Penh. Information on the booking process for offline attendees will follow in the registration confirmation email.
