By Camila Rua - Translated by Leidy Rachen

On April 10th, driven by the initiative of Universo MOLA in collaboration with 11 Latin American educational institutions, the Latin American Sustainable Fashion Academic Network was officially established. This groundbreaking project is the first of its kind in the region and a global pioneer, thanks to its transdisciplinary approach that brings together fashion, sustainability, and academia.

 

The founding agreement was signed during Universo MOLA Fashion Week 2025, held at EAN University in Bogotá, Colombia. The main objective of this network is to create a permanent system of collaboration among academic institutions, promoting education, research, and the exchange of knowledge in the field of sustainable fashion.

 

The eleven founding institutions are:

– Escuela Arturo Tejada Cano (Colombia)

– SENA – Servicio Nacional de Aprendizaje (Colombia)

– Istituto Europeo di Design

– Universidad Santo Tomás (Colombia)

– Universidad del Rosario (Colombia)

– Universidad Sergio Arboleda (Colombia)

– Politécnico Grancolombiano (Colombia)

– Universidad Americana (Paraguay)

– Centro de Diseño de Modas de Guadalajara (México)

– Universidad ITESO (México)

– Universidad Jorge Tadeo Lozano (Colombia)

 

During the meeting, key challenges were identified across two main dimensions. In the student sphere, generational shifts, the diversity of sociocultural contexts, and in some cases, a lack of awareness or interest in sustainable fashion. In the industrial sector, inadequate infrastructure and a shortage of specialized learning environments.

 

To address these challenges, an action plan was established, which includes: creating dedicated spaces, organizing engaging events for students, and developing projects that involve local communities.

 

represents a significant step forward for sustainable fashion education. This project will enable universities and learning centers to consolidate and promote sustainable practices within the Latin American fashion industry, laying the groundwork for a profound transformation of the sector.