World Cotton Day, observed globally on October 7th, celebrates cotton's significance and its stakeholders. The day emphasizes cotton's contribution to job creation, economic stability in developing nations, and its wider socioeconomic impact.
Origins and official recognition
- The Cotton-4 initiative: Initiated by the "Cotton-4"
countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Mali), the day aims to highlight
challenges faced by cotton producers and cotton's economic importance.
- First celebration: The inaugural event took place on
October 7, 2019, organized by the WTO in collaboration with secretariats
from the FAO, UNCTAD, ITC, and ICAC.
- UN recognition: The United Nations General Assembly
officially designated October 7 as World Cotton Day on August 30, 2021,
acknowledging its vital role globally.
Significance and objectives
Key objectives of World Cotton Day include:
- Economic development: Promoting the sustainable growth of the
cotton sector, a crucial livelihood source for millions.
- International trade: Advocating for fairer and more
transparent international trade policies for cotton.
- Innovation: Fostering new collaborations and
advancements in cotton-related industries.
- Sustainability: Raising awareness of environmental
challenges and promoting sustainable practices.
Versatility of cotton
Cotton is a versatile plant with diverse uses beyond apparel. It is used
for food products like edible oil and animal feed from cottonseed, and its fibres
are utilized in industrial and medical applications.
