World Cotton Day 2023: History, significance and theme

Since then, World Cotton Day has been observed every October 7.

On the first World Cotton Day, more than 800 attendees, including ministers, officials and representatives from international organisations, gathered at the WTO headquarters. This diverse group included delegates from Geneva, members of the global cotton community such as growers’ associations, traders, inspection service providers, development partners, retailers, scientists, brand representatives, and private sector members. The event provided a vital opportunity for participants to showcase cotton-related activities and products, share expertise and strengthen collaboration within the global cotton industry.

World Cotton Day holds immense significance due to several reasons:

Poverty Alleviation: Cotton serves as a vital crop in some of the world's poorest nations, offering jobs and improving living conditions for people. It’s a major money crop in many underdeveloped countries.

Environmental Friendliness: Unlike synthetic materials, cotton degrades rapidly, reducing plastic pollution and contributing to a cleaner environment.

Dual Utility: Cotton stands out as the only agricultural commodity that provides both fibre for textiles and food, showcasing its versatility and importance in our daily lives.

Arid Climate Suitability: Cotton plants thrive in arid regions where other crops struggle, making them a resilient and vital crop choice for areas facing water scarcity.

The theme for World Cotton Day 2023 is ‘Making cotton fair and sustainable for all, from farm to fashion’. This theme, promoted by UNIDO, aims to unite stakeholders and raise awareness about the cotton sector’s vital role in economic growth, agricultural development, trade, and poverty reduction. It emphasises the need for sustained economic growth, inclusive industrial development and decent work opportunities for everyone.