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.
Agenda Programme
08:00 - 09:00 --- ReceptionArrival, 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:
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:
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
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
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
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:
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
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:
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
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:
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
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
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.
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 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''.
The Pathways for Cotton Value Addition are:
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.
- 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.
