International Day of the Girl Child 2026; October 11th.

FORUM: "End child marriage and invest in girls’ rights." International Day of the Girl Child 2026. This year’s theme was developed through consultations with girls, girls’ organizations and girl-led networks as well as civil society organizations and United Nations partners. Together, they called for urgent action to end child marriage and invest in girls’ rights – our 2026 theme. Being a girl should never determine what you can do, where you can go or who you can become. Yet for millions of girls across the world, it still does. Despite decades of progress, too many girls continue to face discrimination, violence, poverty and conflict that deny them their rights, restrict their choices and limit their opportunities. Investing in girls is one of the most powerful ways to build healthier families, stronger communities and more resilient societies. But too many girls are still being left behind. According to UNICEF’s 2026 estimates, an estimated one in five girls are married before age 18 across the world, representing approximately 650 million women and girls alive today who were married in childhood. Nearly one in four ever married or partnered girls aged 15-19 have experienced intimate partner violence in their lifetime. Crisis, conflict and displacement continue to increase the risk of child marriage, sexual violence and maternal mortality for girls. Girls aged 15-19 are twice as likely as boys to not be in education, employment or training. In fragile, conflict and violence-affected contexts girls are nearly 90 per cent more likely to be out of secondary school than girls in stable contexts – increasing their risk of child marriage. The good news is that change is possible. We know what works - and investing in girls is one of the most effective ways to accelerate progress. Every girl deserves a childhood. Every girl deserves the freedom to learn, to grow, to make her own choices and to define her own future. Yet millions of girls are still denied that freedom. Each year, more than 12 million girls - roughly one every three seconds - are married before reaching adulthood, with the highest prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa (31 per cent). Child marriage remains one of the most widespread violations of girls’ rights, denying millions of girls the chance to stay in school, protect their health, live free from violence and fulfil their potential. It can have severe and lasting consequences for girls' physical and mental health, increasing risks of social isolation, anxiety and emotional distress at a time when self-harm remains one of the leading causes of death among adolescent girls aged 15-19 globally. But this is not inevitable. Thanks to investments in girls’ education, legal reform and social protection, an estimated 68 million child marriages have been averted over the past 25 years, proving that progress is possible when girls are supported and their rights are protected. We have the solutions: keeping girls in school; expanding access to health, protection and social services; working with families and communities to challenge harmful norms; investing in girls’ rights and supporting their leadership. Now we must go further - and faster. It is in our power to ensure that every girl, everywhere, can realize her rights and fulfil her potential. For when girls are safe, educated and empowered, they don’t just transform their own lives, they help build healthier families, stronger communities and more peaceful, prosperous societies. This International Day of the Girl, stand with girls. Raise your voice for girls’ rights. Champion the solutions that help girls stay in school, stay safe and shape their own futures, especially in crisis and humanitarian settings. Challenge the harmful norms that continue to drive child marriage in communities around the world. Advocate for laws, policies and investments that prevent child marriage and uphold girls' rights. Amplify girls' voices and leadership, ensuring girls are part of the decisions that affect their lives and futures. Together we can end child marriage and ensure every girl has the freedom to choose her own future - and the opportunity to thrive. Follow the conversation #StandUp4HumanRights, #DayoftheGirl, #IDGxWGG, #transformingourfuture, #11DaysofAction, #Investingingirlchild, #InternationalDayoftheGirlChild, #EducationForAll.

CAMPAIGN: 𝗜 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 to go to school, continue my studies as far as I wish and learn regardless of race, religion or country or origin. 

EVENTS: On October 11th, the celebration of the International Day of the Girl 2026 is a global moment to celebrate girls everywhere, amplifying their voices, actions and leadership. It belongs to everyone who cares about girls and their rights. On this day, we come together to recognize and advocate for the full spectrum of girls’ rights.  Register to participate!

Panel discussion on the theme "Investing in Girl Child – Transforming Our Future." to bring together voices from diverse regions to reflect on how far this journey has come and how much further it must go to truly empower girls.

Watch investing in Girl Child Transforming Our Future!

Meetings & Events

In celebration of the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, this year's Speak Out will be a powerful platform for girl leaders in all their diversity to engage in an open, candid dialogue with policy makers, including Member States and UN agencies, around the theme: "Girls Speak Out: Advancing Equality, Accelerating Action"

The discussion will focus on key issues affecting girls, such as their participation in social and political life, their education, eliminating all forms of violence and discrimination against them, championing their leadership in the climate crisis, and financing for the realization of their rights.

Watch the Girls' Speak Out - 2026 International Day of the Girl!

Meetings & Events

World Post Day 2026; October 9th.

FORUM: “One postal network, infinite possibilities” World Post Day 2026. The postal sector encompasses a logistics chain that reaches 95% of humanity, and the UPU is honoured to carry this mission forward in its stewardship role. With more than 35,000 notifications passing through UPU systems every hour, the goal of serving everyone, everywhere is reinforced by trust every minute. This year’s campaign we will focus on the strength of a united global postal network and the many possibilities it creates for people, businesses and communities. From connecting individuals to delivering essential services, the Post continues to open doors to opportunities around the world. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #OnePostalNetwork, #UPUCongress, #WorldPostDay, #PostalDevelopment #9October.

EVENTS: On October 9th, The UPU will hold the annual celebration of World Post Day 2026 in the hall of the Universal Postal Union, Weltpoststrasse 4, 3015 in  Bern, Switzerland. The event will mark the anniversary of the Universal Postal Union's creation in 1874. The UPU's member countries are encouraged to organize their own national activities to celebrate the event, including everything from introducing or promoting new postal products and services, to organizing open days at post offices, mail centres and postal museums. For countries participating in the UPU International Letter-Writing Competition, national winners are often honoured on 9 October. This year, the winner will be invited to the World Post Day ceremony taking place at the UPU International Bureau in Berne, Switzerland, to receive their award. Register to participate!

 Statement of the UPU Director-General on World Post Day 2026; October 9th.

Hello everyone. Every year wild postal day reminds us that the postal network is far more than the movement of letters and parcels. It is one of the world's enduring example of global cooperation.
One trusted network connecting people, communities, and nations through a shared commitment to universal service, trust, and reliability.
This year's theme, "one postal network, infinite possibilities", reflects the extraordinary strength of a network built over the generations and continuously evolving.
Today, more than 660,000 post office and 4.6 6 million postal staff as supported by digital technology
and international partnerships form one of the world's largest global ecosystems.
Together they make the post a one-stop shop for people, business, and governments alike.
At the heart of these infinite possibilities is a human connection that only the post can provide. Every day, postal employees bring that connection to life. Serving as trusted bridges between governments, businesses and the people they serve. They help businesses, reach new markets, support women entrepreneurs, and keep rural and underserved communities connected to essential services and new
opportunities. As society evolves, the post evolves with it.
From delivering public service more effectively to enabling business to grow through e-commerce, the post continues to create value for society.
It is expanding access to financial and health care services, advancing secure digital transformation and shaping itself to remain relevant to future generations by continuing to innovate.
The postal network is opening new possibilities while remaining true to its universal service mission.
On this World Postal Day, I extend my appreciation to the millions of postal staff whose dedication and
professionalism made this possible. May we work together to build one postal network that create infinite possibilities for governments, businesses, and above all the people and the communities we serve. Happy World Post Day.

UPU Director General.

Statement by the UPU Director General on World Post Day 2026 in English, in French, in Arabic, in Portuguese, in Russian and in Spanish.

This year's International Letter-Writing Competition invited young people to reflect on the importance of friendship and human connection in an increasingly digital world. The UPU warmly thanks all participants from 65 countries, who submitted more than 1.48 million letters. This year, the UPU is partnering with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to inspire young writers worldwide to reflect on why human connection matters in an increasingly digital world and to share these reflections in a letter to a friend. Since 1971, the UPU has encouraged young writers aged 9-15 years (inclusive) to write letters on a given theme for a chance to win exciting prizes. The competition is an excellent way of making young people aware of the important role that postal services play in our societies. It develops their composition skills and ability to express their thoughts clearly. It also fosters enjoyment of letter writing and helps to strengthen the bonds of international friendship. Every year, the UPU’s secretariat – the International Bureau – chooses and publicizes a theme. Participating countries then organize the competition at national level through the Post, often with the support of the educational authorities and media, presenting one winning letter to the international jury convened by the UPU. Entries must reach the UPU International Bureau no later than 5 May each year. The jury then evaluates the letters and selects the overall winners and candidates that merit a special mention. If conditions permit, the UPU will sponsor and arrange for the top winner to attend a special awards ceremony in honour of their achievement, including transport and accommodation for the winner and one accompanying adult. In 2026, this prestigious event is set to take place at the UPU International Bureau.The deadline for submissions has now closed.

Theme for 2026

Write a letter to a friend about why human connection matters in a digital world.

In a world shaped by digital technologies – from social media and messaging apps to artificial intelligence and robotics – the way people connect with one another is changing. While digital tools can bring people together, they can also deepen feelings of loneliness and social isolation when meaningful human connection is missing. This year’s theme builds on WHO-led global evidence showing that social connection is a vital part of overall health and well-being, as well as physical and mental health. Meaningful relationships help reduce loneliness, strengthen empathy, support inclusion and contribute to healthier, more resilient individuals and communities. From a postal perspective, letters remain a powerful symbol and tool of human connection. Writing a letter takes time, care and intention. It allows people to express emotions, share experiences and build relationships in a deeply personal way that transcends distance, screens and time zones. Every letter also carries the human touch of postal workers, whose role in delivering messages helps sustain trust, solidarity and connection between individuals and communities around the world. By writing a letter to a friend, children are encouraged to reflect on their own relationships and to explore how simple acts of communication can foster empathy, kindness and understanding. Through their words, young people can share ideas on how to nurture friendships, stay connected and strengthen human bonds – both offline and online – in a rapidly evolving digital environment.


About participation: If you are interested in entering the competition, we cordially invite you to consult the Participants Guide 2026 below and to contact your national postal operator for further guidance about participating. The guide is available in French, Spanish and Portuguese. Participants Guide 2026

Competition rules and promotional materials: Member countries, UN entities, partners, and the public are invited to take part in this global initiative. To facilitate access to key resources, a dedicated Trello board for the 55th International Letter-Writing Competition is accessible here. Member countries will find all relevant documents on this platform. This centralized platform will be regularly updated with essential materials such as competition rules and entry forms and other visual assets including official logos, event branding and social media materials to support the successful organization of the competition.

Educational resources: How to write a good letter?

If you are looking for inspiration to craft a compelling letter for this year's competition, dive yourself into the resources below:

• FAQ: Social connection – what it is, why it matters, and what you can do
• WHO Commission on Social Connection report – plain language summary
• The Social Connection Series – short films on lived experiences
• Ethics of Artificial Intelligence
• Master Class Series against Racism and Discriminations

COMMUNICATION MATERIALS: The official branding for World Post Day 2026 is now available, illus­trating how a united, trusted and reliable postal network connects people, businesses and communities to a wide range of services and opportunities. In celebration of this year's World Post Day, the theme for 2026 is “World Post Day: One postal network, infinite possibilities”. Posters are available in the following languages, Get the Poster in english, in Poster in french, in Poster in Arabic, in  Poster in portuguese , in RPoster in Russian  and the Poster in Spanish!

The UPU World Post Day social media kit includes sample messages and guidelines, social media cards in various formats and languages, branded materials and souvenirs, as well as original files for reproducing posters and philatelic packages. Postal communications teams and anyone interested in joining the global World Post Day campaign and amplifying it are encouraged to download and use these official materials. Please keep checking the board as we approach the celebration, as more messaging and campaigns will be added in the coming months.

Call for contributions

In celebration of World Post Day 2026, we invite Posts to contribute to our social media campaign on the theme “World Post Day: one postal network, infinite possibilities”. We encourage Posts to share photos or videos showcasing how their postal network, as part of one trusted global network, connects people, businesses and governments to create infinite possibilities through trusted services, innovation and human connections. Contributions may highlight one or more of the following:

Services: one postal network, infinite possibilities THROUGH...

How does the postal network create possibilities (financial, economic, social, government services, emergency relief, for the future)?

Showcase postal products and services that support people and communities through the Post’s trusted human connection, including financial services, pensions, remittances, e-commerce, digital services, healthcare access and emergency support, among others.

Regions: one postal network, infinite possibilities IN…

Where does the postal network create possibilities?


Highlight the reach and impact of postal services across cities, rural areas and underserved communities, demonstrating how one postal network connects people everywhere.

People: one postal network, infinite possibilities FOR…

Who does the postal network create possibilities for?


Share stories of individuals and communities benefiting from the human connection enabled by postal services, including elderly citizens, young people, women entrepreneurs, families, small businesses and rural communities.

We kindly ask Posts to share videos or photos that bring this theme to life.

Please note: Every contribution must include a visual element (either photos or video). You may submit two or more high-resolution images or a high-quality video not exceeding two minutes (video must be in landscape format). Materials that do not match the criteria in terms of content or quality will not be used. Please also share with us your official social media tags/handles (e.g., X/Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram) so that we can acknowledge and amplify your contributions. Send your contributions to communication[at]upu.int. Contributions will be accepted until 31 October 2026.

World Cotton Day 2026; October 7th.

FORUM: ''Cotton for Sustainability: Livelihoods, Value Addition and Partnership''. World Cotton Day 2026. 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. Adding value to cotton can drive inclusive growth. The World Cotton Day is 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. Investment in the cotton, textiles and garments sector can help transform economic development in Central and West Africa, said speakers at a high-level event on the eve of the WTO's 14th Ministerial Conference in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Ministers, heads of international agencies, development finance institutions, private sector partners highlighted the opportunities for Africa to weave its way up the value chain to accelerate economic growth. Join us as we celebrate the many opportunities within the cotton sector, highlighting its vital role in fostering international trade and inclusive economic growth. Discussions will focus on boosting productivity at all levels, advancing innovative strategies for adding value along the value chain, and reinforcing the power of trade to support a better future for all. Follow the Conversation with the hashtags: #7october, #cotton, #WorldCottonDay.

EVENTS: On October 7th, 2026, the World Cotton Day 2026 will be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, under the theme "Cotton for Good: Building Prosperity Through Trade, Transformation and Partnership". It is jointly organized by the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC), with the participation of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Trade Organization (WTO), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). This year's conference brings together governments, international organizations, financial institutions and private sector partners to recognize cotton as a driver of prosperity and to reaffirm the sector's place in the multilateral trading system. International leaders will explore avenues for strengthening the global cotton-textile value chain through coordination, partnership and source-centred value addition, with particular emphasis on advancing the Partenariat pour le coton in order to attract investment and open up new opportunities for developing countries and least-developed countries (LDCs) alike.

On 8 October 2026, participants will take part in a technical tour organized by the Government of Uzbekistan. Click here to register for free!

Agenda Programme

08:00 - 09:00 --- Reception
Arrival, Registration and Networking Coffee
09:00 - 09:45 ---Opening
Opening Ceremony Speakers:

Master of Ceremonies: Representative of the Government of UzbekistanTBD, H.E. (Senior Government Representative of Uzbekistan), Welcome remarks by the Government of Uzbekistan
Dr. Qu Dongyu, Director-General, FAO, Statement by the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Mr. Eric B. Trachtenberg, Executive Director, ICAC, Opening remarks by the Executive Director of the International Cotton Advisory Committee
Mr. Jean-Marie Paugam, Deputy Director-General, WTO, Keynote statement by the Director-General of the World Trade Organization
H.E. Mr. Angelo Dan, Ambassador, Deputy Permanent Representative and Chargé d’affaires a.i. of Benin, and Coordinator of the C-4+ Countries, Opening remarks on behalf of the C-4+ countries

09:45 - 10:45 ---High-level panel
High-Level Leaders’ Dialogue ''Trade, Transformation and Partnership: How Cotton Builds Prosperity''
Session Objective: In a global context shaped by trade uncertainty, changing supply chains, industrial policy and growing sustainability requirements, this high-level dialogue will explore how cotton can continue to serve as a strategic driver of development. Bringing together leaders from Uzbekistan, the C-4+ countries, and international organizations, the session will examine how cotton-producing countries can strengthen competitiveness, diversify their economies, and build more resilient connections between agriculture, industry, trade, investment, and innovation. The dialogue will also highlight the Partenariat pour le Coton as a practical platform for mobilizing investment, technical cooperation, and partnerships to support the transformation of the cotton-to-textile value chain in the C-4+ countries. The initiative brings together the C-4+ countries and international, financial, and private-sector partners to support value addition and industrial development.

Speakers:

Ibrokhim Yulchiyevich Abdurakhmonov, Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan; Academician of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan and The World Academy of Sciences.
H.E. Mr. Angelo Dan, Ambassador, Deputy Permanent Representative and Chargé d’affaires a.i. of Benin, and Coordinator of the C-4+ Countries
Mr. Jean-Marie Paugam, Deputy Director-General World Trade Organization – WTO
Mr. Hamadou Karidio, Senior Advisor to the Secretary-General, AfCFTA Secretariat
United Nations Industrial Development Organization – UNIDO

10:50 - 11:15 ---Coffee Break and Official Photo
11:15 - 12:30 --- Plenary session

Plenary Session 1 "Building Prosperity Across the Cotton Value Chain"
Session objective: To showcase practical models of cotton value-chain transformation, drawing on experiences from Uzbekistan’s textile development, Benin’s industrial zone approach, Bangladesh’s apparel export model, and India’s integration into global textile and apparel markets. The session will highlight how investment, processing, manufacturing, and buyer linkages can turn cotton into jobs, exports, and broader economic opportunities.

Speakers:

Mr. Ismonaliyev Fayzullo, Deputy Head of Departement, Agency for the Development of Light Industry
Mr. Ramakrishnan Janarthanan, Chief Executive Officer, LXMI Global Advisory
Mr. Navdeep Sodhi, Partner, Gherzi Textile Organization

12:00 - 12:45 --- Plenary session
Plenary Session 2 "Trust, Quality, and Responsible Cotton Supply Chains"
Session objective: To examine how cotton-producing and textile-exporting countries can build market confidence through quality assurance, inspection, traceability, and responsible sourcing systems. The session will highlight how credible data, verification, and supply-chain transparency can help producers, exporters, and textile companies respond to buyer expectations and access higher-value markets.

Speakers:

Mr. Ben Maitland, Senior Director of Advocacy, Communications and Events, BetterCotton
Ms. Alison Ward, Chief Executive Officer of CottonConnect
Mr. Hafiz Muhammad Bakhsh, Senior Manager, WWF - Pakistan
12:45 - 13:00 --- Coffee Break and Networking

13:00 - 14:00 --- Plenary session
Plenary Session 3 ''Investment, Innovation and Competitiveness in Cotton Economies''
Session Objective: To examine what is needed to scale cotton value-chain transformation through investment, technology, infrastructure, sourcing partnerships, and private sector engagement. The session will focus on how cotton economies can become more competitive by attracting capital, improving production and processing capacity, adopting new technologies, and building stronger links with global buyers.

Speakers:

Xanxadjayeva Nilufar Raximovna, Professor, Tashkent Institute of Textile and Light Industry
Mr. Varun Vaid, Executive Director, Wazir Advisors
Mr. Christian Ndikumagenge, Senior Manager, Export Development, Afreximbank
Textile Export Council of Egypt
14:00 - 15:30 --- Lunch Break

15:30 - 16:15  Building Prosperity Across the Cotton Value Chain; Closing
Closing Spotlight Session
Carbon Markets and Climate Finance: New Opportunities for Cotton Farmers


Session Objective: To discuss how carbon markets and climate finance could create new opportunities for cotton farmers and producer organizations. The session will highlight the conditions needed to make cotton-related carbon projects credible, farmer-centered and commercially viable, including science-based measurement, digital monitoring, certification, buyer confidence and fair benefit-sharing mechanisms.



Speakers:

Mr. Raimov Jovlonbek Farhod ugli & Mr. Firdavs Zukhurutdinov Khamitovich, Head of the Division of Transfer of Agricultural Technologies
Mr. Temurbek Omonov, Head of Department, Green Economy Projects Center under the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Mr. Govind Setlur, Merago, Carbon Asset Management Agency
16:15 - 16:30 --- Closing
Closing Session 

14:00 - 19:20 --- Cotton, Culture and Craftsmanship in Uzbekistan Tour
Technical Tour organized by Host Country


The World Cotton Day 2026 celebrations conclude on 8 October with a technical tour hosted by the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Delegates will see the country's cotton and textile sector first-hand, from heritage craftsmanship to modern processing and manufacturing. The visit provides a practical illustration of value addition in a producing country, supports peer learning among participants, and thereby lends tangible dimension to the objectives pursued by the event as a whole.

Schedule:

14:00 Departure from Hyatt Regency Tashkent

14:00-14:40 Transfer to cotton-textile cluster/textile enterprise (location to be confirmed)

14:40-15:20 Visit to cotton processing and textile production facilities; presentation on value chain development and cotton transformation

15:20-16:00 Transfer to the Research Institute of Cotton Breeding, Seed Production and Cultivation Agrotechnologies site

16:00-16:40 Visit to the Research Institute of Cotton Breeding, Seed Production and Cultivation Agrotechnologies and a cotton field, including a demonstration of modern cotton cultivation practices, harvesting technologies, and sustainability initiatives

16:40-17:20 Transfer to the Center of Islamic Civlization in Uzbekistan

17:20-19:20 Guided visit to the Center of Islamic Civlization in Uzbekistan

19:20 Return to the hotel / end of programme

On March 25th, 2026, The Cotton High-Level Event at MC14 marked the launch of a new phase under the Partenariat pour le Coton (PPC) initiative, with a focus on mobilizing investment to accelerate the transformation of the cotton-to-textile-and-garment value chain.Today, around 98% of the region's cotton is exported as raw fibre, although the region has the potential to position itself as a gateway for processing and transformation into textiles and garments, speakers underlined. "We are on the cusp of creating a modern textiles and garment industry across West and Central Africa," said WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. Analysis by the PPC shows that USD 5 billion in investment and capacity-building support could generate around 500,000 direct jobs, such as textile manufacturing, transport and even fashion design, with women and youth among those set to benefit. The initiative, which builds on the leadership of the "C-4+" group of countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mali, plus Côte d'Ivoire), aims to position the region as a gateway for cotton processing and industrial development. At the event, PPC partners also launched the "Africa Textile Invest" platform, a new tool to support investors by providing a single access point to information on country data, industrial zones and a pipeline of investment opportunities. 

 

"This new portal is an example of how we can translate the vision of the C-4+ into concrete action," said the Managing Director of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Mr. Gunther Berger, reaffirming UNIDO's commitment to support the development of industrial capacities across the cotton-textile-garment value chain. He also highlighted that industrial development is the bridge that connects natural resources to global markets.

"The future of African cotton lies in value addition," said the Executive Director of the International Trade Centre (ITC), Pamela Coke-Hamilton. "Through this partnership, we'll strengthen the cotton value chain across the continent, including through private-sector investment, so farmers and small businesses capture more value at home. This will change thousands of lives."

Cameroon's Minister of Trade, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, also addressed the event, along with ministers from the C-4+ group, development partners and private sector representatives.

Other contributors to the High-Level Panel Discussion were Gherzi Textile Organisation, the Bank of Industry, Arise IIP, Africa Export Import Bank (Afreximbank), the African Development Bank, the Islamic Trade Finance Corporation and Scan-Thor, whose insights enriched the dialogue.

At the opening ceremony of MC14, Dr. George Elombi, the President and Chairman of Afreximbank told the assembled ministers that African cotton will be an engine of growth, with the bank providing the investment power.

"Within 15 to 20 years, Africa will be out of the cotton export business, and fully in to exports of textiles and clothing, ensuring more money stays improving lives and livelihoods across the continent," he pledged to hundreds of attendees.

On the eve of the Conference, FIFA representatives and Cameroonian football legends - including Samuel Eto'o - unveiled new tee-shirts and polo shirts produced by Benin from African cotton for the FIFA Football for Schools programme.

In addition, the ITC and the WTO organized a fashion show featuring a cotton-themed catwalk. A reception after the event showcased the creative work of designers from the C-4+ countries as well as Nigeria and Cameroon, complemented by demonstrations by traditional cotton artisans and jewellers.
Background

Launched at MC13 in Abu Dhabi, the Partenariat pour le Coton (PPC) is a flagship initiative that bridges the WTO's discussions on the development dimension of cotton with tangible industrialization and investment efforts across West and Central Africa. As a multistakeholder support mechanism, bringing together committed international organizations, finance institutions and private-sector partners, the PPC supports the C-4+ countries in mobilizing the investment needed to transform the cotton-to-textile value chain and to translate trade into meaningful development outcomes. The initiative aims to support the C-4+ countries in mobilizing USD 5 billion in investment over a 10-year period, generating USD 6 billion in value-added products, and enabling the region to position itself as a competitive West and Central African cotton and textile gateway for investment. The PPC seeks to leverage trade and investment to produce sustained and inclusive development gains. Following the successful completion of its diagnostic phase (2024-2025), which identified priority investment areas across the C-4+ countries, the PPC is now entering a critical implementation phase. To effectively support countries in attracting investment, a combination of donor funding, blended finance solutions and risk mitigation instruments must be mobilized at scale. MC14 comes at a pivotal moment, providing an opportunity to reinforce commitment in the cotton sector, catalyse investment and accelerate the emergence of a stronger, more integrated regional cotton textile/garment ecosystem across West and Central Africa.

On October 7th, at UNHQ was held the High-level event entitled ''Cotton for Sustainability: Livelihoods, Value Addition and Partnership''. 

Cotton value addition involves transforming raw cotton fiber and plant by-products into higher-value commercial goods across the supply chain, increasing profitability, creating jobs, and reducing waste.

The Pathways for Cotton Value Addition are:

• Fiber Processing & Textiles: Transforming raw ginned lint into spun yarn, woven or knitted fabrics, and finished garments (such as t-shirts, towels, and denim). Specialty processing like mercerizing (double-treating thread like DMC Stranded Cotton to boost strength and sheen) or manufacturing quilted wadding like Legacy 100% Cotton Wadding with Scrim available at Spotlight.
• Seed Utilization: Crushing cotton seeds to produce edible cooking oils and high-protein animal feed or protein meals. Using hulls and other seed fractions as livestock nutrition and energy sources.
• By-Product & Waste Stream Innovation: Converting gin trash (waste left after ginning) into high-value industrial chemicals & Repurposing cotton residues and waste fibers into sound-proofing acoustic panels or 3D-printing filaments that resist heat and moisture.
• Medical & Hygienic Products: Processing staple fibers into medical supplies, absorbent medical cotton rolls like the Value Plus Cotton Wool Roll, and personal care goods

Major producing regions often export raw or ginned fiber rather than finished goods, prompting international initiatives (such as the WTO and UNCTAD programs) to build domestic spinning and textile infrastructure. In regions like Australia, raw cotton production frequently outstrips local manufacturing capacity by a wide margin (with production reaching up to 3 million bales against a much smaller domestic processing demand), meaning most value-adding occurs via export markets or specialized niche manufacturing.

Watch the high-level event entitled ''Cotton for Sustainability: Livelihoods, Value Addition and Partnership''!

01:14:34


Meetings & Events

World Habitat Day 2026; October 5th.

FORUM: "Adequate Housing for All" World Habitat Day 2026. The world is facing a global housing crisis. More than 3 billion people lack access to adequate housing today. Furthermore, more than 1.1 billion people, continue to live in an informal settlement, and hundreds of millions are experiencing homelessness. This crisis is exacerbated by conflicts, disasters, and climate change, with individuals living in informal settlements facing the harshest impacts and having the least ability to recover. Housing is acknowledged as a human right in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Other than it being well established as a right that the world is yet to deliver, people facing the challenge of inadequate housing are also deprived of dignity, safety, stability and opportunity. The Global Observance of World Habitat Day 2026 builds on a renewed wave of political commitment to Adequate Housing. At the second session of the UN-Habitat Assembly, 2023 Member States adopted resolution2/7, which focuses on ensuring adequate housing for all, and resolution 2/2, which aims to transform informal settlements and slums. In these resolutions, Member States have urged UN-Habitat to strengthen its efforts in these important areas and UN Habitat launched the Open-ended Intergovernmental Expert Working Groupon Adequate Housing for All, as an intergovernmental process to help contribute to solving for this challenge. Further through the Pact for the Future, Member States have also committed to ensuring that everyone has access to adequate, safe, and affordable housing. This year also marks the first Urban October under UN-Habitat’s new Strategic Plan 2026–2029, which places housing, land and basic services at the centre of the organization’s mandate. The Baku Call to Action from the thirteenth World Urban Forum held in May 2026, emphasises the importance of a human rights approach to housing and encourages a shift from diagnosis to action. Housing is essential for achieving the SustainableDevelopment Goals. Making progress on both the 2030 Agenda and the New Urban Agenda is closely tied to our ability to provide adequate housing for everyone. World Habitat Day will highlight the importance of adequate housing for thriving communities and the actions needed to make it a reality. This requires targeted efforts for lower-income groups, people experiencing disasters, crisis and homelessness, and those most at risk of displacement. Success depends on how we plan and manage our cities, recognizing the social, economic and ecological functions of land, promoting secure land tenure, preventing urban sprawl, and ensuring housing is located within well-serviced, liveable neighbourhoods. Achieving adequate housing also requires diversifying how housing is produced and delivered, through social, public, rental, cooperative and community-led models alongside market-based solutions. Housing must be environmentally sustainable, climate resilient and culturally appropriate, while prioritizing the upgrading andtransformation of informal settlements to improve conditions for those most in need. Above all, these efforts rely on effective multilevel governance, supported by enabling policies and legislation, robust data, and adequate financing. The Global Observance, hosted by the Sultanate of Oman in Muscat, will kick off the Home & Building Expo and Urban October. It will provide a global platform for exchanging experiences, showcasing innovative approaches, and strengthening partnerships that advance the right to adequate housing in practice.  In line with UN-Habitat’s Strategic Plan 2026–2029 and resolution 2/7 on adequate housing for all, the objectives of the World Habitat Day 2026 will: 1. Showcase innovative practices that advance adequate housing for all and recognise outstanding contributions through the UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award, one of the world’s most prestigious human settlements awards. 2. Reaffirm adequate housing as a human right and a cornerstone for achieving the SustainableDevelopment Goals and the New Urban Agenda. 3. Raise awareness of the drivers contributing to the global housing crisis, including unaffordability,informality, insecure tenure, climate impacts, displacement and inadequate conditions and highlight the ongoing gap between commitment and actual progress. 4. Promote dialogue on inclusive, integrated and holistic housing strategies that reach all households and all forms of tenure, with targeted efforts for those in the most vulnerable situations. 5. Highlight the central role of all levels of governments, effective multilevel governance, national urbanpolicies, housing law, well-planned, well-located compact neighbourhoods, in realising adequatehousing. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #WorldHabitatDay, #UrbanOctober, #urbancrisisresponse, #Right2Housing, #MindtheGap, #LeaveNoOneBehind, #adequatehousing.

EVENTS: On 5 October 2026, the Global Observance of World Habitat Day will be related to "Adequate Housing for All". The global housing crisis whereby an estimated 2.8 billion people face various forms of housing inadequacy, in which close to 1.1 billion reside in slums and informal settlements, calls for urgent and concerted action. World Habitat Day will consider how to realize the ambition of ensuring access to adequate housing for all as a cornerstone for achieving the SDGs and the New Urban Agenda. Register to participate!

AGENDA PROGRAMME OF THE GLOBAL OBSERVANCE OF WORLD HABITAT DAY 2026.

10.30 -11:00 ARRIVAL OF ATTENDEES (All guests to be seated by 11:00)
11:00 - 11:45 NATIONAL OBSERVANCE HIGH-LEVEL OPENING
11:45 - 12:30 GLOBAL OBSERVANCE HIGH-LEVEL OPENING

UN-HABITAT SCROLL OF HONOUR AWARDS: The UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award, launched in 1989, recognizes individuals and institutions that have made outstanding contributions to urban development, including improving the quality of urban life for all and ensuring adequate, affordable, and accessible housing.

12:30 - 12:45 SIGNING CEREMONY FOR DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS, INCLUDING INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS
12:45 - 13:30 INAUGURATION OF THE EXPO
15:00 - 15:15 SCROLL OF HONOUR
15:15 - 16:00 MINISTERIAL SEGMENT
16:00 - 17:15 FLAGSHIP DIALOGUE: ADEQUATE HOUSING FOR ALL
17:15 - 17:30 CLOSING CEREMONY

Related Sites and Documents: Concept note & Agenda programme (pdf).

LIVESTREAM: Watch the World Habitat Day 2026 - "Adequate Housing for All" (Muscat, Oman) (Morning Session)!

ARRIVAL OF ATTENDEES (All guests to be seated by 11:00) 10.30 –11:00 

NATIONAL OBSERVANCE HIGH-LEVEL OPENING 11:00 – 11:45 

GLOBAL OBSERVANCE HIGH-LEVEL OPENING 11:45 – 12:30 

Opening address by master of ceremonies World Habitat Day 2026 video Video message from Nga Kor Ming, President of the United Nations Habitat Assembly and Minister of Housing and Local Government, Malaysia Message from António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General, read by Anacláudia Rossbach, Under-Secretary-General and Executive-Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Welcome address by Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habita

SIGNING CEREMONY FOR DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS, INCLUDING INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS 12:30 – 12:45 

UN-HABITAT SCROLL OF HONOUR AWARDS

 Introduction by master of ceremonies Award ceremony • Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Chief Minister of Punjab, Pakistan, representing the Punjab Housing and Town Planning Agency, Lahore, Pakistan • Htoo Aung, representing Housing NOW, Bago, Myanmar • Thiago Bauermann Gubert representing Aldeia do Espraiado - Tekoa Ara Hovy: Brazil’s First Indigenous village established by a Brazilian Municipality • Abdelmalek Ghannem, Bizerte, Tunisia • Sadiq Khan, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

INAUGURATION OF THE EXPO 12:45 – 13:30

MINISTERIAL SEGMENT 15:00 – 15:45

FLAGSHIP DIALOGUE: ADEQUATE HOUSING FOR ALL 15:45 – 17:00 

MODERATOR: Rania Hedeya, Director, Regional Office for Arab States, UN-Habitat 

PANELISTS: • Elena Carolina Díaz Galán, United Nations Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights • Dr Asmus Hammerich, WHO Representative to Oman • Melani Penjani Chirwa, Programmes Coordinator, Slum Dwellers International (SDI) • Rony Lahoud, General Director, Public Corporation for Housing, Lebanon • Sultan Barakat, Professor of Public Policy, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (Qatar Foundation) and Honorary Professor, University of York • Partha Mukhopadhyay, Senior Fellow, Centre for Policy Research, India • Wendy Werner, World Bank Group Country Manager for Oman CLOSING CEREMONY 17:00 – 17:20 

Closing session by the master of ceremonies Closing remarks, TBC Closing remarks by Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat Group photo session

COMMUNICATION MATERIALS: Get the campaign toolkit & other assets!

World Teachers’ Day 2026; October 5th.

 

FORUM: “Standing with teachers: 60 years of protecting the profession, advancing its status and shaping our futures”. World Teachers’ Day 2026. The year 2026 will mark the 60th anniversary of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers. We will celebrate progress in recognizing teachers’ vital role, we will highlight the challenges the profession continues to face, and we will call on society and policymakers to protect, promote and elevate its status. Especially the case today, as the world needs 50 million more teachers to achieve SDG 4 by 2030. Sixty years after the adoption of the Recommendation, World Teachers’ Day 2026 provides an opportunity to ask how societies envision the purposes of education today, the role of teachers in achieving them, and the obstacles to realising these purposes and enabling teachers to fulfil their role. At a time when the Recommendation is being revised, World Teachers’ Day will examine how effective policies are in elevating the status of teachers; whether these policies are negotiated through social dialogue and collective bargaining with teachers and their representatives; and the quality and availability of data and evidence used to ascertain teachers’ “status” and determine policy actions. Building on the call of the first World Summit on Teachers and its outcome document, the Santiago Consensus, adopted in August 2025, World Teachers’ Day 2026 will also celebrate teachers’ work and the progress enabled by the Recommendation, while considering its limitations, including challenges in monitoring and implementation. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #Teachers, #WorldTeachersDay, #5October, #valuingteachervoices, #teaching, #teachingasacollaborativeprofession, #teachthem.

EVENTS: On October 5th at UNESCO HQ, from 8:00 to 06:30 pm GMT will be held the the World teacher's day 2026 and the UNESCO-Hamdan Prize. Co-convened by UNESCO, the International Labour Organization (ILO), UNICEF and Education International, the celebration will take place at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris and will be opened by UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany. It will bring together teachers, ministers of education, policymakers, academics, young people, teacher organizations, education partners and institutions from around the world. 

The 2026 event will have three main objectives: 

(i) celebrate World Teachers’ Day, drawing the attention of decision-makers and the international community to the chosen theme by sharing data, analyses and knowledge about the facts and challenges related to teacher status around the world, as well as promising strategies for addressing these challenges; 

(ii) advocate for changes in teacher status by calling on relevant actors to take action to address the challenges facing the profession; 

(iii) recognise innovations and promising practices in teacher professional development through theawarding of the UNESCO-Hamdan Prize for Teacher Development.

The programme will feature high-level discussions on protecting and advancing the teaching profession, opportunities for teachers and members of the public to interact and share their perspectives, and a performance by a teachers’ choir. The day will also include the award ceremony for the ninth edition of the UNESCO-Hamdan Prize for Teacher Development. Read the concept note, the agenda programme and  Register to participate!

Provisional programme 

Time (UTC+2)                                Session 

08:30 – 09:10 Welcome coffee World Teachers’ Day ceremony 

09:10 – 09:50 Welcome message and musical interlude Opening remarks by the Director-General of UNESCO, Mr Khaled El-Enany Interactive activity with the audience Keynote by Prof Gert Biesta, Professor of Education, University of Melbourne, and Adjunct Professor, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, on the 60th anniversary of the ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers (1966)

09:50 – 10:45 Panel discussion with the co-conveners of World Teachers’ Day - Mr Qun Chen, Assistant Director-General for Education, UNESCO - Ms Vera Paquete-Perdigão, Director of Labour Governance & Sectoral Policies Department, ILO - Ms Brenda Haiplik, Global Lead Teacher Development and Workforce, UNICEF - Mr David Edwards, General Secretary, Education International Musical interlude.

- UNESCO-Hamdan Prize for Teacher Development award ceremony-

10:45 – 12:30 Opening remarks by UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Education, Mr Qun Chen Presentation of the 10 finalists’ teacher development programmes - Recognition of the International Jury - Video celebrating the UNESCO-Hamdan Prize - Thematic discussions with the 10 Prize finalists Remarks by His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum of the United Arab Emirates Announcement of the three laureates.

13:00 – 14:30 High-level lunch (by invitation only) 

- Afternoon panel discussion -

15:00 – 17:00 Rethinking and elevating the status of teachers: Thematic conversation with Ministers of Education, teachers and international experts 

17:00 – 17:30 Visit to the exhibition of finalists’ projects 

17:30 – 19:00 Closing reception of World Teachers’ Day 2026

The international event will include two key moments: (1) a morning session featuring the official World Teachers’ Day commemoration and the award ceremony for the 9th edition of the UNESCO Hamdan Prize for Teacher Development, including a discussion with the 10 finalists on their innovative approaches and projects; and (2) an afternoon session featuring a high-level discussion with Ministers of Education and international experts on policy solutions to elevate the status of teachers and support the transformation of the teaching profession. 

International Day of Non-Violence 2026; October 2nd.

EVENT: Commemorative event to mark the International Day of Non-Violence on the theme 'Non Violence as a means to Peace and Development', and the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, October 2nd. Stay tuned to Watch the commemoration of International Day of Non-Violence (High-level Event Duration:00:53:57)

World Coffee Day 2026; October 1st.

FORUM: ''Celebrating Coffee, Honouring the people behind every cup.'' World Coffee Day 2026. Coffee is part of the daily routine for millions and a livelihood for millions more. Follow the conversation with the hashtags; #Coffee, #coffeegrowers, #coffeetrends, #coffeetrade, #coffeemarkets, #coffeelovers, #honouringthepeoplebehindeverycup, #webcasts

EVENT: Join us for the inaugural celebration of International Coffee Day at FAO headquarters on Thursday, 1 October 2026, from 12.15 to 13.30 hours CEST. Inaugurated by FAO Director-General QU Dongyu, the ceremony brings together Members and partners to celebrate coffee’s economic, social and cultural significance and its contribution to livelihoods and sustainable agrifood systems. It places the people, cultures, traditions and partnerships that bring coffee from farm to cup at the heart of the celebration. Watch the livestream!

COMMUNICATION MATERIALS: Get the poster, the campaign toolkit and other material assets!