Pledging initiative – Submission form: Submission #2313

Section I
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Name of entity submitting the pledge: The Mayors Mechanism submitting in the name of the City of Milan
Pledging entity: Cities, Municipalities, and Local Authority
Is the country of the pledging entity a GCM Champion country?: {Empty}
Full name: Pablo Mariani
Position: KMO
Country of implementation: Italy (145)
Other country of implementation: Global (23641)
Region of implementation: {Empty}
Email Address: pmariani@mayorsmechanism.org
Secondary contact person: {Empty}
Secondary email: {Empty}

Section II
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Name of the pledge: Africa-Europe Mayors’ Dialogue, Milan-Freetown Partnership on Fashion and Textile Industries
Type of pledge (please select): Individual (by one state/actor)
Is this a mirror pledge (pledge is also relevant to the Global Compact on Refugees) ?: {Empty}

Section III
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Nature of the pledge: Process oriented (e.g. convening fully consultative processes in preparing national reports for  the IMRF); structured

Section IV
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Please select the main three GCM objectives the pledge is/are meant to support: 2. Minimize the adverse drivers and  structural factors that compel people to  leave their country of origin; 23. Strengthen international cooperation and global partnerships for safe, orderly and regular migration

Section V
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Please indicate which GCM Guiding Principle is/are particularly relevant for the pledge:
People-centred (738); International cooperation (739); National sovereignty (742); Rule of law and due process (741); Sustainable development (740); Human rights (259); Gender-responsive (258); Child-sensitive (257); Whole-of-government approach (737); Whole-of-society approach (736)


Section VI
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Please provide a description of the pledge:
The Africa-Europe Mayors’ Dialogue is a platform of twenty African and European mayors aiming to change the dominant narrative of migration between Africa and Europe, focusing on the opportunities that connecting cultures and people can bring to cities in both continents and the vital contribution of migrants to economies and societies. 

In this framework, the cities of Milan and Freetown are working together to create opportunities for exchange and collaboration between their fashion/design industries and creative communities, such as skills exchanges between designers, broker networks and alliances amongst textile manufacturers, and to support business development and investment in Sierra Leone’s fashion industry. In Freetown, the objectives are: 1. To establish and support the National Fashion & Design Council including Sierra Leonean designers and manufacturers (based in SL or abroad) 2. To create and consolidate the ‘Made in Sierra Leone’ brand to help position the country in global fashion markets 3. To implement a long-term skills development and training program alongside targeted mentoring and business development services. In Milan, this partnership will support fashion industry efforts to investigate sustainable dyes, textiles, and ethical sourcing options and explore innovative commercial partnerships with stakeholders in Sierra Leone, as well as wider opportunities in West African markets.

The action is expected to create partnership, nurture collaborations and jumpstart business ventures within and between Freetown’s and Milan’s fashion industries, creating new and better jobs in the Sierra Leonean creative businesses, as well as investment opportunities for Italian companies. In Freetown, the action will have positive impacts on the governance of the fashion system and the capacity of both its individuals and its fashion and textiles industry, as new and enhanced ties with the Italian businesses and agencies will boost employment, commercial opportunities and beneficiaries’ capacities to contribute back home. In Milan, the action will create an opportunity to further investigate sustainable supplies and techniques, explore the West African market, and capitalize on an emerging “Made in Sierra Leone” brand, while igniting and consolidating managed and legal migration channels. The impact of the action will be evaluated through the achievement of the following expected outputs: 1. Creation of a National Fashion and Design Council of Sierra Leone 2. Establishment of partnerships and business ventures between Sierra Leonean and Italian entrepreneurs/companies 3. Launch of new and/or enhancement of existing businesses by talent Sierra Leonean designers and creatives (especially women and youth) in the fashion industry 4. Traineeships of Sierra Leonean students in Italian universities and institutes through circular and international mobility scheme for talents and graduates.


Section VII
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Please indicate the tentative deadline within which this pledge is expected to be realised: 01 May 2025

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