Each year, stakeholders from across the global cotton community come together to discuss the many advantages of cotton — from its characteristics as a natural fibre to the economic and social benefits it brings to people worldwide.
Key themes include sustainability, women’s role in the cotton sector, and partnerships between brands and retailers.
The annual celebrations take place on 7 October, with conferences, public events, promotional activities, seminars, and exhibitions organised in many countries around the world.
www.worldcottonday.com
The Origins of the World Cotton Day
The first-ever World Cotton Day was held on 7 October 2019, organised by the World Trade Organization (WTO) in cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC).
The event, hosted at the WTO headquarters, brought together over 800 participants, including ministers, heads of international organisations, and representatives of the global cotton value chain — from growers and traders to testing services, development partners, researchers, academics, retailers, brands and private sector representatives.
It was a landmark opportunity to share knowledge, showcase initiatives and highlight cotton’s contribution to the world economy.
World Cotton Day launch event 2019
On 30 August 2021, the United Nations General Assembly officially recognised 7 October as the World Cotton Day, following the proposal submitted by Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire and Mali.
UN Resolution A/RES/75/318 highlighted the crucial role of cotton in providing livelihoods for millions of people and its broader economic and social impact worldwide.
https://www.un.org/en/observances/cotton-day
Why is World Cotton Day important?
Cotton is a natural fibre that deserves special recognition. Here’s why:
- A crop that reduces poverty – cotton helps lift people out of poverty in some of the least developed countries.
- Decent and sustainable employment – it provides stable income and dignified work to millions around the globe.
- Resilient to harsh conditions – as a drought-tolerant plant, cotton thrives in regions where few other crops can grow.
- Biodegradable and renewable – cotton decomposes naturally and is the only agricultural product that provides both, fibre and food.
Environmental Friendly Cotton
