PURPOSE: In August 2021, the General Assembly of the United Nations recognised the unique benefits of cotton by proclaiming 7 October of each year as World Cotton Day. Cotton is a culture, a way of life, and a tradition with its roots at the heart of human civilization. The objective of this global celebration is to raise the visibility of the cotton sector and awareness of the critical role that it plays in economic development, international trade and poverty alleviation.
FORUM: “Making cotton fair and sustainable for all, from farm to fashion. ”World Cotton Day 2023. Let’s enhance the sustainability of the cotton sector and bring it to the forefront of the global agenda. Cotton touches us every day, it is a source of livelihoods for millions of smallholders and labourers, including women and their families, and contributes significantly to the economies of many developing countries. The observance of the day will be an excellent opportunity to renew our commitment to enhancing the sustainability of the cotton sector and bring it to the forefront of the global agenda. Follow the Conversation with the hashtags: #7october, #cotton, #WorldCottonDay.
EVENTS: The World Cotton Day 2023 will take place on October 4th from from 9:00-18:00 hours (CEST) at the Vienna International Centre in Austria. It is jointly hosted by Secretariats of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and is organized in cooperation with Secretariats of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the International Trade Center (ITC), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC). Through WCD 2023, we aim to highlight the importance of sustained economic growth, inclusive and sustainable industrial development, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. Learn more about the World Cotton Day 2023 | UNIDO event, the Partners and how to Register. Link to the online connection.
on October 7th, The World Cotton Day 2023, the FAO Director-General, QU Dongyu will highlight the crucial role the cotton sector plays for Members as well as its broader economic and social relevance around the world. The event will be an occasion to focus on the importance of the cotton sector for the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more about the World Cotton Day 2023 | UNIDO.
STATEMENTS: Read the statement of the FAO Director-General on World Cotton Day 2023; October 7th.
PODCASTS: The mobilisation of innovative technologies and resources is vital to ensure that the sector remains viable and sustainable. Stakeholders from the global cotton community come together to speak on the many advantages of cotton–from its qualities as a natural fiber, to the many benefits people obtain from its production. Topics this year include sustainability, women in cotton, brand and retailer partnerships, and more. Listen to the audio podcasts!
WHY WE CELEBRATE THE DAY?
HOW TO GET INVOLVED!
PARTNERSHIPS
Cotton is the most important of the natural fibres, used daily in apparel and home furnishings. Cotton is a critical means of livelihood for millions of smallholders and their families by providing employment and income. It represents an important source of export revenues for some of the poorest countries in the world. IT is estimated that about 32 million farmers produce cotton globally and nearly half of them are women. Around 80 % of cotton is used in apparel, 15 % in home furnishings and the remaining 5% mostly accounts for non-woven applications, such as filters and padding. The World Cotton Day offers a unique opportunity to renew the commitment to a sustainable cotton sector for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.
Enhance Improve Cotton cultivation
Address Properly the production and demand sides
Realize the potential Cotton sector in supporting economic growth and sustainable development.
Empower women and boost youth employment, while ensuring decent work for all.
Mobilize innovative technologies and resources to ensure the viability and the sustainability of the cotton sector.
Increase raw cotton production and create new income opportunities, especially for farmers
Add more value to cotton fibre and develop by-products from other parts of the cotton plant.
Enhance trade liberalization in the cotton sector.
The World Cotton Day is hosted by the United Nations Food and Agricultural organization (FAO), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The World Trade Organization (WTO), the International Trade Centre (ITC), and the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC).
With the collaboration of the IFPRI, the IFAD, the CIFOR and cotton traders, producers and small scale farmers.