World Cotton Day: 7 October 2019
On 7 October 2019, the global cotton community will turn its eyes to Geneva for the official launch of World Cotton Day, a high-level strategic meeting for senior government officials, cotton and textile industry professionals, national and international organisations, and private sector business executives.
World Cotton Day will celebrate the many advantages of cotton, from its qualities as a natural fibre, to the benefits people obtain from its production, transformation, trade and consumption. The event will also serve to shed light on the challenges faced by cotton industries around the world, and particularly in least-developed countries.
The event is being organised in partnership between the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the WTO/UNCTAD International Trade Centre (ITC), and the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC).
Overview of World Cotton Day at WTO Headquarters
A Strategic Panel Discussion
World Cotton Day will kick off with a panel discussion including senior government officials and the heads of the five partner organisations.
Thematic Side Events
These information-packed sessions will address topics including global trade, value addition, sustainability, technology and innovation, and a strategic market outlook.
Cotton Exhibition and Booth Area
These information-packed sessions will address topics including global trade, value addition, sustainability, technology and innovation, and a strategic market The World Cotton Day launch event is an opportunity for members, the private sector and the international development community to share knowledge and showcase cotton-related activities and products.
Photo Contest
The photo contest is intended to encourage photographers around the world to communicate strong and positive messages underlining the importance of the cotton value chain. The winning entry in all four categories will be displayed on-site during the event.
Partners Conference
Development partners will meet to discuss and consolidate support for the new project on cotton by-products and for other development initiatives.
ITC Fashion Event
A fashion event will take place to display cotton fashion and designers from different parts of the world with a special focus on Africa.
Networking Reception
World Cotton Day will conclude with a networking reception, sponsored by GIZ and the ICAC, complete with light appetisers and cocktails.
If you would like to attend this unique event, please send an email to cottonclub@wto.org. More information, including the programme, the description of the various events planned, an expression of interest sign-up sheet and organisational arrangements, will be made available at https://www.wto.org/worldcottonday.