Day 2 Recap: Accord All Signatory Meeting 2024
Accord
The International Accord held its All Signatory Meeting 2024 on the 25 and 26 of April 2024 at the Rode Hoed in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The purpose of the event was to update participants about the key developments on the operations and implementation of the Accord’s Country-Specific Safety Programs (CSSPs) in Bangladesh and Pakistan.
26 April marked the second day of the International Accord‘s All Signatory Meeting highlighted the Pakistan Accord and welcomed the participation of over 30 suppliers from the Pakistani textile and garment industry.
The event brought together global brands and retailers including Adidas, Mango, Primark, Lidl, Matalan, PVH, Puma, Zalando, Kik Textilien, GAP Inc, ASOS, AEO Inc. H&M, Inditex and Bestseller.
Participation from the Pakistani textile and garment industry included nearly 30 representatives. Additionally, this day saw representation from the International Apparel Federation (IAF).
The day began with opening remarks from Michelle Tarry of American Eagle Outfitters Inc (AEO) emphasising the key role of the Accord’s remediation plans and worker training in promoting and maintaining workplace safety at their sourcing facilities. Tarry further underscored AEO’s commitment to the Pakistan Accord, stating:
We are in a position to extend the achievements from Bangladesh to Pakistan. While our production in Pakistan has been limited thus far; our recent visits have left us impressed with the industry’s investments in safety infrastructure, sustainability, and innovation. In the coming years, we see significant growth potential in Pakistan and remain committed to the well-being of those making our products. The Pakistan Accord’s inspection program, training initiatives, and complaints mechanism will be instrumental in this journey.
Koen Oosterom and Zulfiqar Shah, offered updates on the operations of the Pakistan Accord, followed by a discussion on the inspections and remediation programs by the Accord’s George Faller, Colm Quinn, and Veronique Camerer who elaborated on the importance of planning factory remediation and the available tools to ensure that it is financially feasible for factories to correct safety risks.
The session concluded with insights from Zubaida Machiyara (Fashion Knit Industries) and Yasir Yaqoob (Lucky Textile Mills), who shared their experiences of participating in the initial inspections under the Pakistan Accord.
The panel on the Accord’s workplace programs featured observations by David Reiner (Zalando), Matthijs Crietee (IAF: International Apparel Federation), Christina Hajagos-Clausen (IndustriALL Global Union ), and Kirstine Drew (Pakistan Accord) who echoed the importance of collaboration among all actors in ensuring access to remedy through the Accord’s complaints mechanism.
The last session featured valuable recommendations from suppliers to implement the Pakistan Accord. Key suggestions emphasised prioritising transparency, facilitating knowledge exchange, nurturing business stability, and embracing collaborative models tailored to accommodate facilities of all sizes.
Muhammed Rehan Ahmendani (Executive Director, Synergies Worldwide) shared:
“The arrival of the Accord in Pakistan is not a challenge but an opportunity. It is logical to understand that a safer workforce means more brands and, consequently, more business. The Accord is skillful and focuses on fostering strong business relations between brands and suppliers. Moving forward, I recommend that brands remain committed to the program and embrace new ideas to ensure worker safety, with a special focus on digitisation.”
We thank our panelists, Azfar Hasan (Matrix Sourcing), Kaschif R. Israr (Euro Centra Pakistan), Aamir Chottani (CHOTTANI INDUSTRIES.), Muhammed Rehan Ahmedani (Synergies Worldwide), Michael Bride and Veronique Camerer for their invaluable insights.
Lastly, we thank all attendees for their openness, insights, and recommendations, which are crucial to effectively implementing the Pakistan Accord and contributing to a safer garment and textile industry.
We thank our moderator, Olivia Windham Stewart and the Amerpodia team for the organisational support on this event.
For more information, contact:
- media@internationalaccord.org
- Mini Dixit, Communications Advisor: mini.dixit@internationalaccord.org
Related updates
This briefing includes updates on the number of signatory brands and covered factories, brand-supplier meetings, new Pakistan Accord office and the capacity building program in Pakistan.
Day 2 of the International Accord’s All Signatory Meeting was dedicated to fostering meaningful engagement between the Pakistani industry and signatories to the Pakistan Accord.
The Accord commemorates 11 years since the Rana Plaza collapse by remembering those who perished, those who were injured, and those who continue living with the impacts of one of the worst workplace disasters in modern history.
In view of the complex political situation in Bangladesh, the International Accord makes the following statement in solidarity with the people of Bangladesh.
This briefing includes updates on the number of signatory brands and covered factories, brand-supplier meetings, new Pakistan Accord office and the capacity building program in Pakistan.
Day 2 of the International Accord’s All Signatory Meeting was dedicated to fostering meaningful engagement between the Pakistani industry and signatories to the Pakistan Accord.
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Day 1 Recap: Accord All Signatory Meeting 2024
Accord
The International Accord held its All Signatory Meeting 2024 on the 25 and 26 of April 2024 at the Rode Hoed in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The purpose of the event was to update participants about the key developments on the operations and implementation of the Accord’s Country-Specific Safety Programs (CSSPs) in Bangladesh and Pakistan.
25 April marked the first day of the All-Signatory Meeting in Amsterdam, where our brand, trade union, and NGO signatories came together to discuss the progress and way ahead on the International Accord and the Bangladesh Safety Agreement.
Set against the background of the 11th anniversary of the Rana Plaza collapse on 24 April, the day started with remarks by Christina Hajagos-Clausen (IndustriALL Global Union) and Joachim Juette-Overmeyer (Otto Group).
Dorothy Lovell (Sector Lead – Garment & Footwear, OECD Centre for Responsible Business Conduct), in her keynote address, underscored the Accord’s role as a flagship initiative that translates the OECD’s Due Diligence Guidance into action. She described it as a tool for accountability and an example of how due diligence creates impactful change by preventing harm, improving lives, and ensuring business continuity. Lovell added:
“…when brands jointly invest in the conditions for decent work in their supply chain, there are results, and those results are good for workers and business.”
The day included updates on the International Accord’s operations by Joris Oldenziel and Koen Oosterom.
Veronique Camerer and Kristine Drew conducted a session that encouraged brands to share their perspectives and insights on the steps they take to fulfill their obligations on financing remediation and the Accord’s workplace programs.
The RMG Sustainability Council (RSC)’s Abdul Haque, Shah Sefat Uddin Ahmed and Md Hassan Nawazis shared a comprehensive presentation on the remediation progress in Bangladesh, highlighting key developments such as the expansion of the complaints mechanism and the envisioned environmental program.
The final session comprised reflections on the Bangladesh Safety Program by Miran Ali (BGMEA), Ineke Zeldenrust (Clean Clothes Campaign), Christina Hajagos-Clausen, and Joachim Juette-Overmeyer, followed by concluding remarks delivered by PVH Corp.’s Michael Bride.
We thank all attendees for their participation, and Olivia Windham Stewart for moderating the sessions. We are also grateful to our venue partners, the Amerpodia team for their organisational support on this event.
For more information, contact:
- media@internationalaccord.org
- Mini Dixit, Communications Advisor: mini.dixit@internationalaccord.org
Related updates
This briefing includes updates on the number of signatory brands and covered factories, brand-supplier meetings, new Pakistan Accord office and the capacity building program in Pakistan.
Day 2 of the International Accord’s All Signatory Meeting was dedicated to fostering meaningful engagement between the Pakistani industry and signatories to the Pakistan Accord.
The Accord commemorates 11 years since the Rana Plaza collapse by remembering those who perished, those who were injured, and those who continue living with the impacts of one of the worst workplace disasters in modern history.
In view of the complex political situation in Bangladesh, the International Accord makes the following statement in solidarity with the people of Bangladesh.
This briefing includes updates on the number of signatory brands and covered factories, brand-supplier meetings, new Pakistan Accord office and the capacity building program in Pakistan.
Day 2 of the International Accord’s All Signatory Meeting was dedicated to fostering meaningful engagement between the Pakistani industry and signatories to the Pakistan Accord.
Follow us on social media
11 years since the Rana Plaza collapse in Bangladesh
Accord
Today marks the 11th anniversary of the tragic collapse of the Rana Plaza building in Dhaka, Bangladesh, which claimed the lives of over 1,100 garment workers and left thousands critically injured. On this solemn anniversary, the Accord pays tribute to the victims, the survivors, and those enduring the impact of one of the most devastating workplace disasters in modern history.
Alongside our signatories and stakeholders, the Accord remains committed to ensuring that garment factory workers are safeguarded with a safe and healthy work environment as a fundamental principle and right at work.
We urge more brands to join us in this effort by signing the Accord and putting worker safety at the core of their garment supply chains.
For more information, contact:
- media@internationalaccord.org
- Mini Dixit, Communications Officer: mini.dixit@internationalaccord.org
Related updates
This briefing includes updates on the number of signatory brands and covered factories, brand-supplier meetings, new Pakistan Accord office and the capacity building program in Pakistan.
Day 2 of the International Accord’s All Signatory Meeting was dedicated to fostering meaningful engagement between the Pakistani industry and signatories to the Pakistan Accord.
The Accord commemorates 11 years since the Rana Plaza collapse by remembering those who perished, those who were injured, and those who continue living with the impacts of one of the worst workplace disasters in modern history.
In view of the complex political situation in Bangladesh, the International Accord makes the following statement in solidarity with the people of Bangladesh.
This briefing includes updates on the number of signatory brands and covered factories, brand-supplier meetings, new Pakistan Accord office and the capacity building program in Pakistan.
Day 2 of the International Accord’s All Signatory Meeting was dedicated to fostering meaningful engagement between the Pakistani industry and signatories to the Pakistan Accord.
Follow us on social media
Start of capacity building program for Pakistan Accord engineers
Accord
Marking a milestone in the rollout of the International Accord’s country program in Pakistan, newly hired engineers are undergoing training. The capacity-building program aims to equip engineers with the technical knowledge and practical skills necessary to effectively conduct factory inspections and produce reports that identify remediation required under the Pakistan Accord.
The program is currently underway in Karachi, Faisalabad and Lahore, Pakistan, and spans 9 weeks (with a two week break over Eid). In this inaugural batch, 14 engineers (including 5 fire engineers, 5 electrical engineers, 4 structural engineers) are undergoing training facilitated by engineering consultants, alongside George Faller (Chief Safety Officer, Pakistan Accord) and Colm Quinn (Head of Operations, International Accord).
The Capacity Building Program
The capacity building program comprises two phases focusing on classroom and on-the-job training. The initial three days emphasise introducing engineers to key Accord principles, the Pakistan Accord Building Standard, and essential key safety inspections features. Additionally, classroom sessions familiarise engineers with key safety hazards to look out for during factory assessments, and capturing this key information in reports used to develop factory Corrective Action Plans (CAPs).
Following classroom sessions, engineers are currently undergoing a nine-week on-site building inspection and reporting training.
Factory Inspections
As part of the on-site training, trainee engineers joined the fire, electrical, and structural safety inspections at least 10 factories covered under the Pakistan Accord. Based on the complexity of the factories, these visits typically lasted one day.
The inspection day started with an opening meeting with factory management, followed by a walk around the building exterior and through all interior rooms and spaces. The team also conducted non-destructive testing as required, for example, measuring concrete hardness and thermographic scanning to identify electrical hotspots.
These initial inspections are part of the Pakistan Accord’s inspections and remediation program that began in November 2023. This recent round of inspections brings the number of factories covered under the Pakistan Accord to receive initial inspections to over 25 factories.
Resources:
Related updates
This briefing includes updates on the number of signatory brands and covered factories, brand-supplier meetings, new Pakistan Accord office and the capacity building program in Pakistan.
Day 2 of the International Accord’s All Signatory Meeting was dedicated to fostering meaningful engagement between the Pakistani industry and signatories to the Pakistan Accord.
The Accord commemorates 11 years since the Rana Plaza collapse by remembering those who perished, those who were injured, and those who continue living with the impacts of one of the worst workplace disasters in modern history.
In view of the complex political situation in Bangladesh, the International Accord makes the following statement in solidarity with the people of Bangladesh.
This briefing includes updates on the number of signatory brands and covered factories, brand-supplier meetings, new Pakistan Accord office and the capacity building program in Pakistan.
Day 2 of the International Accord’s All Signatory Meeting was dedicated to fostering meaningful engagement between the Pakistani industry and signatories to the Pakistan Accord.
Follow us on social media
Brand-Supplier meetings in Pakistan highlight collaboration opportunities on workplace health and safety
Accord
The International Accord Secretariat alongside the Pakistan Accord team organised a series of five brand-supplier meetings in Lahore and Karachi between 5 – 7 March 2024.
The purpose of these meetings was to to provide information about the Accord and its key programs for suppliers, and enhance engagement between brands that have signed the Pakistan Accord and their Pakistani suppliers. A supplier/factory becomes part of the Accord program in Pakistan once a brand sourcing from them signs the Pakistan Accord and lists it as a supplier.
The Accord team comprising presentations by Clara Kamphorst (Stakeholder Engagement Manager), Koen Oosterom (Head of Signatory Engagement), Veronique Camerer (Deputy Director, International Accord), Kirstine Drew (Chief Complaints Officer, Pakistan Accord), and Zulfiqar Shah (Country Manager, Pakistan Accord) shared insights on:
- The health and safety topics covered under the Pakistan Accord.
- The impact of the program for suppliers and the support available for them.
- The features, programs, and reasons to participate in the Pakistan Accord.
The sessions were attended by over 100 Pakistani suppliers and Pakistan Accord signatory brands including Adidas, Primark, GAP Inc. and the Boohoo Group.
Speaking about their participation at the event, Sam Leach from the Boohoo Group said:
The Boohoo Group sees the Accord framework as a great opportunity for our factories, not only to improve their building, electrical, fire, and boiler safety standards but also to enhance worker safety standards as a whole. We have seen the great work done in Bangladesh over the last 10+ years and we look forward to continuing to collaborate with The Accord and other international retailers to improve factory standards. As a part of these collaborative efforts, the Boohoo Group and The International Accord organised two brand-supplier meetings in Pakistan for Boohoo Group suppliers and factories in Karachi and Lahore. These meetings were well received by the suppliers with follow-up expressions of gratitude. We are encouraged to see that all our suppliers recognise the importance of the Pakistan Accord and are fully on board with the program.
We thank all attendees for their participation in these meetings and look forward to our continued engagement.
Resources:
Related updates
This briefing includes updates on the number of signatory brands and covered factories, brand-supplier meetings, new Pakistan Accord office and the capacity building program in Pakistan.
Day 2 of the International Accord’s All Signatory Meeting was dedicated to fostering meaningful engagement between the Pakistani industry and signatories to the Pakistan Accord.
The Accord commemorates 11 years since the Rana Plaza collapse by remembering those who perished, those who were injured, and those who continue living with the impacts of one of the worst workplace disasters in modern history.
In view of the complex political situation in Bangladesh, the International Accord makes the following statement in solidarity with the people of Bangladesh.
This briefing includes updates on the number of signatory brands and covered factories, brand-supplier meetings, new Pakistan Accord office and the capacity building program in Pakistan.
Day 2 of the International Accord’s All Signatory Meeting was dedicated to fostering meaningful engagement between the Pakistani industry and signatories to the Pakistan Accord.
Follow us on social media
100 Global Brands and Retailers Commit to the Pakistan Accord
Accord
100 global brands and retailers have committed to the Pakistan Accord on Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry (Pakistan Accord). Original Marines, Turner Bianca, S.O.K/ Group, Sun Garden,Tex Idea and MPL Home are among the latest brands to sign the agreement, which focuses on enhancing workplace health and safety in the Pakistani textile and garment industry.
The Pakistan Accord was established in January 2023 and is a Country Specific Safety Program (CSSP) being rolled-out as part of the renewed International Accord.
The Pakistan Accord covers all Cut-Make-Trim (CMT) facilities, namely Ready-Made Garments (RMG), home textile, fabric, and knit accessories suppliers, producing for Pakistan Accord signatory companies. Fabric mills will also be included at a later stage. Pakistan Accord signatory brands source from over 500 factories in Pakistan. Initial inspections at a first batch of factories supplying Pakistan Accord brands were conducted from October to December 2023.
Brands that sign the Pakistan Accord are committed to maintaining a long-term sourcing relationship with Pakistan and supporting their Pakistani suppliers in the journey to improve health and safety. We invite all garment and textile brands and retailers sourcing from Pakistan to sign the Pakistan Accord and contribute to a safe and sustainable textile and garment industry.
Resources:
Related updates
This briefing includes updates on the number of signatory brands and covered factories, brand-supplier meetings, new Pakistan Accord office and the capacity building program in Pakistan.
Day 2 of the International Accord’s All Signatory Meeting was dedicated to fostering meaningful engagement between the Pakistani industry and signatories to the Pakistan Accord.
The Accord commemorates 11 years since the Rana Plaza collapse by remembering those who perished, those who were injured, and those who continue living with the impacts of one of the worst workplace disasters in modern history.
In view of the complex political situation in Bangladesh, the International Accord makes the following statement in solidarity with the people of Bangladesh.
This briefing includes updates on the number of signatory brands and covered factories, brand-supplier meetings, new Pakistan Accord office and the capacity building program in Pakistan.
Day 2 of the International Accord’s All Signatory Meeting was dedicated to fostering meaningful engagement between the Pakistani industry and signatories to the Pakistan Accord.
Follow us on social media
Over 100 brands sign the Bangladesh Safety Agreement
Accord
A total of 102 global brands and retailers have so far signed the Bangladesh Safety Agreement with Fast Retailing Co. Ltd, River Island and Triumph & Sloggi, among the latest signatories.
The Bangladesh Safety Agreement took effect as an Addendum to the renewed International Accord on 1 November 2023. Signatory parties to Bangladesh Safety Program commit to the principles enshrined in the 2023 International Accord, and as stipulated in the 2013, 2018 and the 2021 Accord agreements on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh.
The inspections and remediation program, safety committee and safety training program, complaints mechanism, and reporting and disclosure requirements of the Accord are implemented in Bangladesh by the RMG Sustainability Council (RSC), which was established in June 2020.
We extend an invitation to all garment and textile brands sourcing from Bangladesh to sign the Bangladesh Safety Agreement and contribute to enhancing health and safety within the textile and garment industry.
Resources:
Related updates
This briefing includes updates on the number of signatory brands and covered factories, brand-supplier meetings, new Pakistan Accord office and the capacity building program in Pakistan.
Day 2 of the International Accord’s All Signatory Meeting was dedicated to fostering meaningful engagement between the Pakistani industry and signatories to the Pakistan Accord.
The Accord commemorates 11 years since the Rana Plaza collapse by remembering those who perished, those who were injured, and those who continue living with the impacts of one of the worst workplace disasters in modern history.
In view of the complex political situation in Bangladesh, the International Accord makes the following statement in solidarity with the people of Bangladesh.
This briefing includes updates on the number of signatory brands and covered factories, brand-supplier meetings, new Pakistan Accord office and the capacity building program in Pakistan.
Day 2 of the International Accord’s All Signatory Meeting was dedicated to fostering meaningful engagement between the Pakistani industry and signatories to the Pakistan Accord.
Follow us on social media
Pakistan Accord: Supplier Briefing #3
Supplier Briefing #3
These Supplier Briefings are designed for all factories/suppliers listed by Pakistan Accord signatory brands. They include updates on key developments under the Pakistan Accord, along with information on upcoming events, guidance materials, and resources for suppliers.
We encourage all suppliers/factories covered by the Pakistan Accord to read these briefings regularly and to share their recommendations, ideas, and suggestions by contacting us via pakistan.factories@internationalaccord.org.
This briefing includes updates on:
- Number of signatory brands, covered Factories
- Program Rollout: Pakistan Accord Building Standard, first safety inspections
- Implementation: Accord presence in Pakistan, Pakistan Accord Team
- New International Accord
Number of Signatory Brands and Covered Factories
At the time of writing this briefing, more than 90 global brands sourcing textiles and garments from Pakistan have signed the Pakistan Accord, thereby committing to work with their suppliers to ensure workplace safety. As stated by one of the Accord’s recent signatories to the Pakistan Accord, ASOS:
Due to the Pakistan program in place, ASOS has now started scoping Pakistan as a sourcing region as it was imperative for us to have a credible programme like Accord in place. We look forward to working together to create a safer working environment and empower workers.
The Pakistan Accord signatory brands are headquartered in 17 countries across Europe, Turkey, the USA, Australia, Hong Kong, and Japan, and include some of the world’s largest clothing brands and retailers. Collectively, these companies source over US$2.5 billion worth of goods from approximately 500 suppliers in Pakistan.
Program Rollout
Pakistan Accord Building Standard
Following extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders including the Pakistani Government, engineering experts, and academics over the past few months, the Pakistan Accord Building Standard (Standard) was finalised.
This Standard establishes minimum life-safety criteria to reduce danger to life from fire, structural, electrical, and boiler hazards as well as safety risks relating to the storage, use, and handling of hazardous substances. The application of this Standard is intended for new and existing garment and textile factories supplying Pakistan Accord company signatories. An independent Chief Safety Officer and team of engineers of the Pakistan Accord will assess Accord factory compliance with this Standard and produce reports of the safety hazards they identify.
The Standard was launched across a series of two webinars on 27 September and 4 October 2023 during which factories supplying Pakistan Accord signatory companies were invited to participate, engage with experts, and ask technical questions about the Standard.
First Safety Inspections Under the Pakistan Accord
The Pakistan Accord started a first round of initial inspections at factories supplying Pakistan Accord brands in Lahore and Karachi in October 2023. These initial inspections mark a significant milestone in the rollout of the Pakistan Accord.
The inspections were conducted as stipulated under the Pakistan Accord at four new facilities and four facilities that were part of the Accord pilot inspection program pilot safety assessments conducted between November and December 2022.
The Accord worked closely with the participating factories to support their preparation for the inspections. The support provided included meetings with Accord technical experts, opportunities to clarify any technical questions, and a detailed briefing document outlining the agenda for the day of inspection and actions where the factory’s support is needed.
Throughout the inspection process, these factories demonstrated commitment to ensuring workplace safety, receptiveness to feedback, preparedness, and cooperation with our engineering teams. We look forward to our ongoing collaboration with these factories and their Accord brand customers to advance workplace health and safety.
The Pakistan Accord is continuing its rollout of the inspections program in the Province of Sindh and preparing for the roll-out of inspections in the Province of Punjab at the start of 2024.
Read more about the first batch of factories inspected under the Pakistan Accord.
Implementation
Accord Presence in Pakistan
As of September 2023, the International Accord BV, established to implement the Pakistan Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry (Pakistan Accord) incorporated a private limited subsidiary company in Pakistan in the name of Health and Safety Accord Pvt. Ltd. This private company is undertaking the activities on behalf of Accord signatory companies and following the provisions of the Pakistan Accord, which include fire, electrical, structural, and boiler safety inspections, developing and monitoring the implementation of Corrective Actions Plans (CAPs), the implementation of workplace safety training and complaints program, and a local capacity building program.
Pakistan Accord Team
The Pakistan Accord is in the process of building local teams in Karachi and Lahore that will ensure the effective implementation of the Accord’s programs and smooth coordination with suppliers.
Most notably, the Pakistan Accord has recently recruited for the following positions :
- Country Manager
- Chief Safety Officer
- Chief Complaints Officer
- Fire, Electrical, and Structural Safety Engineers
- Remediation Department Manager
The Pakistan Accord operations are also supported by international engineering consultants and the International Accord Secretariat.
New International Accord
Negotiations between representatives of global brands and trade union signatories to the International Accord on Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry (International Accord) have resulted in a new agreement that reaffirms their commitment to enhancing health and safety throughout the supply chains of brand signatories in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and other countries in the future.
Brands and trade unions have renewed their commitments for an extended three-year term, with an automatic renewal of another three years, making it the longest Accord commitment to date. This new version of the International Accord took effect on November 1, 2023. Additionally, the brands and trade unions finalised a new agreement to further their efforts in enhancing health and safety within the Bangladeshi garment industry through the RMG Sustainability Council (RSC).
How does the Pakistan Accord relate to the new International Accord? The Pakistan Accord, which was signed in January 2023 for three years, will continue as a Country-Specific Safety Program (CSSP) of the International Accord.
Read the International Accord, Bangladesh Safety Program, And Pakistan Accord Agreements here.
Read the statement about the renewal of the International Accord here.
Resources
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Related updates
This briefing includes updates on the number of signatory brands and covered factories, brand-supplier meetings, new Pakistan Accord office and the capacity building program in Pakistan.
Day 2 of the International Accord’s All Signatory Meeting was dedicated to fostering meaningful engagement between the Pakistani industry and signatories to the Pakistan Accord.
The Accord commemorates 11 years since the Rana Plaza collapse by remembering those who perished, those who were injured, and those who continue living with the impacts of one of the worst workplace disasters in modern history.
In view of the complex political situation in Bangladesh, the International Accord makes the following statement in solidarity with the people of Bangladesh.
This briefing includes updates on the number of signatory brands and covered factories, brand-supplier meetings, new Pakistan Accord office and the capacity building program in Pakistan.
Day 2 of the International Accord’s All Signatory Meeting was dedicated to fostering meaningful engagement between the Pakistani industry and signatories to the Pakistan Accord.
Follow us on social media
Over 50 Brands re-sign the New International Accord; 46 Brands Commit to the Bangladesh Safety Agreement
Accord
A total of 56 global brands and retailers have so far signed the renewed International Accord, 48 have signed the Bangladesh Safety Agreement and 88 have signed the Pakistan Accord. Multiple brands are in the final stages of internal reviews and are expected to sign the agreements in the coming days. The latest list of signatories is available here.
Brands and trade unions renewed their commitments for an extended three-year term, with an automatic renewal of another three years making it the longest Accord commitment to date. The International Accord will serve as the framework for implementing the Accord’s Country-Specific Safety Programs (CSSPs), currently in Bangladesh and Pakistan, as well as any future programs in other garment producing countries. These programs will be implemented through separate agreements as CSSP Addendums to the International Accord.
Additionally, the brands and trade unions finalised the new Bangladesh Safety Agreement to further their efforts in enhancing health and safety within the Bangladeshi garment industry through the RMG Sustainability Council (RSC).
Both agreements entered into force on 1 November 2023.
Prior to these two new agreements, in December 2022 Accord signatories decided to establish a new workplace health and safety program called the Pakistan Accord for an initial term of three years starting on 1 January 2023.
We invite all garment and textile brands and retailers sourcing from Bangladesh and Pakistan to join the signatories to these agreements. We encourage you to re-sign the new International Accord, the Bangladesh Safety Agreement, as well as the Pakistan Accord, and reaffirm your commitment to our collective mission of a safe and sustainable textile and garment industry.
Resources:
Related updates
This briefing includes updates on the number of signatory brands and covered factories, brand-supplier meetings, new Pakistan Accord office and the capacity building program in Pakistan.
Day 2 of the International Accord’s All Signatory Meeting was dedicated to fostering meaningful engagement between the Pakistani industry and signatories to the Pakistan Accord.
The Accord commemorates 11 years since the Rana Plaza collapse by remembering those who perished, those who were injured, and those who continue living with the impacts of one of the worst workplace disasters in modern history.
In view of the complex political situation in Bangladesh, the International Accord makes the following statement in solidarity with the people of Bangladesh.
This briefing includes updates on the number of signatory brands and covered factories, brand-supplier meetings, new Pakistan Accord office and the capacity building program in Pakistan.
Day 2 of the International Accord’s All Signatory Meeting was dedicated to fostering meaningful engagement between the Pakistani industry and signatories to the Pakistan Accord.
Follow us on social media