The CGTFI (Confederation of the German Textile and Fashion Industry (t+m)) conducted a workshop on SCP advocacy (Sustainable Consumption and Production). The participants, mainly Board Members of MGMA, got fundamental insights on ways and means how to successfully lobby for policy issues.
Myanmar is undergoing a radical process of change that also affects business organizations like the Myanmar Garment Manufacturers Association (MGMA). They have to define their future role in the Myanmar economy and society. Advocacy for political issues is, in addition to services rendered to member companies, one of the core activities of modern business organizations. In so doing they contribute to high quality legislative decisions and assure participation of broader parts of the society.
The workshop was performed by Christoph Schäfer, head of the t+m law and tax department who is longtime experienced in public affairs. After having explained the theoretical background, participants were taught about ways of organizing internally in order to establish an early warning system on emerging issues and to deal with them in line with the needs and wishes of organized companies. The workshop explained how to set up an advocacy strategy and made participants familiar with typical tools to analyze the given situation, such as a method to identify stakeholders and classify them according to their importance. The content of the workshop was illustrated with best practice from Germany, e.g. on energy policy. The implantation of advocacy strategies was explained in detail and hands-on. The highlight – as of its high practical importance – was the section that dealt with media. Participants discussed when it is useful to interact with journalists to reach the aim advocated for. Afterwards different means to work successfully with the media were presented.
Overall, the participants developed a bunch of new ideas on how to organize MGMA in the future. They are willing to face the challenges and have acquired knowledge on how to cope with them – regardless if MGMA will advocate for SCP or other political issues. The fundamental concepts have been unfolded and will be considered in the upcoming positioning of MGMA.
