World Cotton Day

 Cotton has the potential to shape a more sustainable world. It is more than just an agricultural crop. For around 100 million farmers it is their livelihood, and for many a cultural asset that dates back to the beginnings of human civilisation. Six years ago, the United Nations followed a ‘Cotton Four’ proposal, the West African cotton-growing countries Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mali, to declare 7 October as World Cotton Day. This year, the day will be organised by the West African country of Benin. The aim is to raise awareness of the benefits of this natural resource and its potential for global economic development.

World Cotton Day was first launched in 2019 at the headquarters of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Geneva, together with four other founding organisations, the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC), the International Trade Centre (ITC), the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

While it grows, cotton binds and removes carbon from the atmosphere. Unlike synthetic alternatives, cotton does not pollute our oceans as it is biodegradable. As a crop that tolerates drought, it can also grow in places where no other crop can thrive.

As the driving force behind World Cotton Day, the Cotton Four countries are among the leading cotton producers in Africa. The contribution that cotton production makes to their respective gross domestic products and the share of cotton exports in total agricultural export revenues are among the highest in the world. The cotton industry is a central pillar of economic and social development in Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mali. Cotton farming is a key sector for economic development and poverty alleviation, especially for their rural communities.

The governments of the Cotton Four countries have taken measures to strengthen the cotton sector. This includes aid for the procurement of seed and fertiliser as well as investments in the modernisation of agriculture. In the long term, the cotton sector is expected to benefit from further government investment and international partnerships, and industrialisation is expected to succeed.

Arrival of the various participants and guests in the city of Cotonou 16:00-21:00 (Cotonou, Benin time GMT+1)

World Cotton Day 2024  Palais des Congrès, Main Salon, Cotonou, Benin - In-Person event 6 - 8 OCT 2024

The role of international organizations in supporting the development of cotton worldwide, particularly in Africa. 09:30-11:30 (Cotonou, Benin time GMT+1)

 Palais des Congrès, Main Salon

Coffee Break and Networking 11:30-12:00 (Cotonou, Benin time GMT+1)

Palais des Congrès, Main Salon

PLENARY SESSION: Enhancing Value and Capturing Market Opportunities for African Cotton 12:00-14:00 (Cotonou, Benin time GMT+1)

Palais des Congrès, Main Salon

Presentation of the baseline study outcomes to develop a cotton value chain project in the C-4 and Côte d'Ivoire. Implement strategies for adding value to African cotton through local processing, branding, marketing, and vertical integration to maximize economic benefits and retain more value within the continent.

Launch Break 14:00-15:00(Cotonou, Benin time GMT+1)

 Palais des Congrès, Main Salon

Thematic Panel 1: Green Threads: Regenerative Agriculture in Cotton 15:00-16:30 (Cotonou, Benin time GMT+1)

How regenerative agriculture practices can transform cotton farming, enhance biodiversity, and combat climate change. Discussion on practical applications, benefits, risks, challenges and case studies showcasing successful stories.

Thematic Panel 2: Weaving Equality: Women's Empowerment in the Cotton Value Chain 15:00-16:30 (Cotonou, Benin time GMT+1)

The critical role women play in cotton production and processing. Strategies for promoting gender equality, empowering women entrepreneurs, and supporting their leadership in cotton.

Thematic Panel 3: Enhancing Global Influence in Cotton Markets, with a Focus on Africa and the LAC Region 15:00-16:30(Cotonou, Benin time GMT+1)

Analysis of Africa and the LAC Region's current positions in the global cotton industry and potential pathways to elevate their statuses. Opportunities for both regions to increase their market share, improve quality, and enhance sustainability, with a focus on empowering smallholder farmers. This includes exploring ways to integrate smallholders into global value chains, boost productivity, and improve livelihoods while contributing to shaping global market trends and standards.

Thematic Panel 4: Navigating the World of Environmental Textile Regulations 15:00-16:30 (Cotonou, Benin time GMT+1)

An overview of global environmental textile regulations and their impact on cotton production and processing. Best practices for compliance and how to turn environmental challenges into competitive advantages.

Thematic Panel 5: Open Markets, Open Opportunities - Market Access Strategies 15:00-16:30(Cotonou, Benin time GMT+1)

Overcoming Global Trade Barriers and Enhancing Competitiveness: Market Access Strategies for Cotton, with a Focus on Africa. An exploration of trade agreements, tariffs, non-tariff barriers, and competition with polyester impacting global cotton trade. Particular emphasis on strategies for African producers to navigate these challenges, enhance competitiveness, and strengthen their position in international markets.

Visit the Cotton Village 16:30-18:00 (Cotonou, Benin time GMT+1)

 Palais des Congrès, Main Salon

Cotton Exhibition and Booths. World Cotton Day's Village is a dynamic space where members, private sector representatives, and the international development community come together to exchange knowledge and display cotton-related innovations and products.

RECEPTION

Fashion Show Gala and Closing Reception 18:00-00:00(Cotonou, Benin time GMT+1)

 Palais des Congrès, Main Salon

DAY III

Participant registration / issuance of badges and information documents 08:30-09:00(Cotonou, Benin time GMT+1)

 Palais des Congrès, Main Salon

Welcome address 09:00-09:05(Cotonou, Benin time GMT+1)

 Palais des Congrès, Main Salon

Opening speech 09:05-09:10(Cotonou, Benin time GMT+1)

 Palais des Congrès, Main Salon

Opening remarks

H.E. Shadiya Alimatou Assouman, Minister of Trade, Government of Benin

Business opportunities in the textile sector in C4+ countries (Q&A) 09:15-10:30(Cotonou, Benin time GMT+1)

 Palais des Congrès, Main Salon

Coffee Break and Networking 10:30-11:00(Cotonou, Benin time GMT+1)

 Palais des Congrès, Main Salon

Financing Strategies and Support for the Development of Cotton Production and the Textile Industry in C4+ Countries (Q&A) 11:00-11:45(Cotonou, Benin time GMT+1)

 Palais des Congrès, Main Salon

Closing remarks and Conclusions of the Forum 11:45-12:00(Cotonou, Benin time GMT+1)

 Palais des Congrès, Main Salon

Lunch cocktail and networking 12:00-13:30 (Cotonou, Benin time GMT+1)

 Palais des Congrès, Main Salon

Departure for the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) 13:30-00:00 (Cotonou, Benin time GMT+1)

 Palais des Congrès, Main Salon

Visit to the GDIZ 14:15-18:00 (Cotonou, Benin time GMT+1)

 Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDZI)

COTTON LINT

35% of cotton fiber and 65% of other components. -

A United Nations General Assembly decision on 30 August 2021 officially recognized 7 October as World Cotton Day following a proposal submitted by Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire and Mali. The United Nations General Assembly resolution (A/RES/75/318) proclaiming World Cotton Day acknowledges the vital role cotton plays, recognizing the livelihoods and subsistence it provides for millions of people and its broader economic and social impact around the world.

Discussions on cotton at the WTO

At the WTO, cotton is the sole commodity discussed separately following an initiative launched by the Cotton-4 in 2003. The initiative aims to make international trade in cotton fairer and to shed light on the linkages between trade, cotton and development.

Discussions on cotton at the WTO focus on:

achieving reforms needed to address trade-distorting subsidies and to provide improved market access for cotton and cotton-related products from LDCs

monitoring and encouraging development assistance to the cotton sector in developing countries through Sand dissemination of information.

The third edition of the UN Fashion and Lifestyle Network annual meeting, jointly organized by the United Nations Office for Partnerships and the Fashion Impact Fund, stands as a crucial milestone in advancing collaborations within the fashion and lifestyle sectors.

Bringing together advisory committee members, registered partnerships, industry stakeholders, leaders, media, and UN representatives, the meeting serves as a pivotal platform for showcasing impactful actions and progress. The overarching objective is to increase sector engagement in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), recognizing the profound influence of these sectors on societies and the environment.

This year's gathering will focus on key sectors such as fashion, home, textiles, jewelry, luxury, and travel which will help strengthen the promises of the SDGs, striving for global transparency, inclusivity, and sustainable transformation.

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