Towards Sustainable Global Value Chains: The Role of the Group of Seven

Abstract

This chapter provides unique background information on a high-level political process that was of crucial importance for the promotion of sustainable fashion as it set the political agenda for intensified governmental action towards more sustainable business practice in the global economy. In June 2015, the heads of state and government of the Group of Seven (G7) met at the Elmau summit. This summit led to strong commitments to undertake several policy measures and to strengthen sustainable practices in global value chains. The author describes the efforts and political processes ahead of the meeting, sets out the reasons that spoke for joint G7 action and gives an account of what the G7 agreed upon in Elmau. Furthermore, the author draws lessons from this political process and closes with relevant questions concerning the future agenda for sustainable global value chains.