Global Fashion Summit 2026, Copenhagen Sets Its Vision on Building Resilient Futures

Global Fashion Agenda has announced the theme for Global Fashion Summit: Copenhagen Edition 2026, unveiling a forward-looking vision titled Building Resilient Futures. Held under the patronage of Her Majesty the Queen of Denmark, the world’s leading forum on fashion sustainability will return to the Copenhagen Concert Hall on 6 and 7 May, preceded by a series of pre-summit engagements on 5 May. With registration now open, the event is expected to gather top designers, innovators, policymakers, manufacturers, financiers and cultural leaders who are collectively shaping the future of the industry.

The call for resilience reflects the reality the fashion sector has navigated over the past years. Supply chain disruptions hit major sourcing regions including Bangladesh, Turkey and Vietnam, raising questions about transparency and risk preparedness. Public scrutiny of sustainability claims intensified, and global climate conditions sharpened the urgency for action. In 2024, the world recorded its first year above the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold outlined in the Paris Agreement, placing extraordinary pressure on fashion’s ability to adapt. Against this backdrop, the Summit theme acknowledges a defining moment for the industry. It invites leaders to decide how they will respond to volatility, whether by resisting change or embracing agility and long-term renewal.

The concept of Building Resilient Futures recognises that true resilience requires more than quick fixes. Across global supply chains, new circularity ecosystems, material science breakthroughs, data-driven accountability tools, policy reforms and evolving finance models are emerging as foundational elements for a stronger future. The 2026 edition of the Summit will explore how these enablers can reinforce the social, environmental and economic spine of fashion at a time when stability is essential.

Collaboration will be at the heart of this year’s programme. Rather than solely focusing on crisis response, the Summit aims to show how disruption can inspire creativity and accelerate innovation. Content will span five stages within the venue, offering deeper perspectives, new session formats and opportunities for cross-sector dialogue. From industry veterans to emerging changemakers, the gathering will create space for thoughtful debate and solution-building.

A key highlight will be the Innovation Forum, which returns with a curated showcase of solutions from across the value chain. Exhibitors will include pioneers in next-generation materials, circular design technologies and advanced end-of-use processes. Attendees can also participate in the Matchmaking Programme, which facilitates structured, one-on-one meetings intended to spark partnerships and help organisations strengthen their sustainability agendas through targeted collaborations.

Federica Marchionni, CEO of Global Fashion Agenda, emphasises the importance of plurality in resilience-building. She notes that there is no single roadmap for the future and that context-specific pathways must carry the industry toward a fair and regenerative system. She encourages delegates to choose a single word that reflects the future they want to build and bring that perspective to the Summit’s conversations.

Registration for Global Fashion Summit: Copenhagen Edition 2026 is currently open, with several ticket categories designed to accommodate different stakeholder groups. Regular tickets range from €755 to €1080 depending on company size. Premium tickets range from €1295 to €1620, with dedicated options for students and NGOs priced at €450. An online participation option is available at €420. A limited number of launch release tickets offering a 15 percent discount are available until early December or until the allocation is fully claimed. Prices will increase during the next release phase.

More information on the Summit is available at globalfashionsummit.com. Details about Global Fashion Agenda’s wider work can be found at globalfashionagenda.org