The event highlighted cotton’s role in livelihoods, sustainable value chains, traditional craftsmanship and international cooperation.
India and Mali jointly commemorated World Cotton Day at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on 7 October 2026, bringing together representatives of governments, international organisations and the textile sector to discuss cotton’s contribution to livelihoods, value addition and sustainable development.
The event was organised by the Permanent Missions of India and Mali to the United Nations under the theme “Cotton for Sustainability: Livelihoods, Value Addition and Partnership.” The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 7 October as World Cotton Day through Resolution 75/318. The annual observance highlights cotton’s role in economic development, international trade and poverty alleviation, particularly in developing and least developed countries.
India Highlights Cotton Sustainability and Value Addition
In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, recalled Mahatma Gandhi’s association of cotton and the spinning wheel with self-reliance, dignity and India’s freedom struggle.
He outlined four priorities for the cotton sector: supporting producers’ livelihoods, expanding value addition and market access, promoting sustainability, and strengthening technology and partnerships. He also emphasised the need for affordable inputs and finance, support for smaller enterprises, and South-South and triangular cooperation to help cotton-producing countries retain more value and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Ambassador Issa Konfourou, Permanent Representative of Mali to the United Nations, highlighted cotton’s importance to Mali’s economy and rural livelihoods. He pointed to challenges including limited processing capacity, input costs, market access and trade-distorting support.
He also outlined Mali’s efforts to expand domestic processing and create employment, welcomed mutually beneficial partnerships and South-South cooperation, and acknowledged India as a key partner.
Traditional Crafts and Textile Manufacturing in Focus
Asit Kumar Mal, Member of Parliament, drew on the experience of Kantha embroidery in Bolpur, West Bengal, to explain how traditional craftsmanship can add value to cotton, support women’s livelihoods, and promote reuse and resource efficiency.
He highlighted the importance of fair remuneration, affordable credit, design support and market access for artisans.
L. K. Sudhish, Member of Parliament, discussed Tamil Nadu’s experience in cotton knitwear and garment manufacturing, emphasising the contribution of smaller enterprises, shared infrastructure and skilled workers. He also referred to the integrated textile park being developed under the PM MITRA initiative and the recovery and reuse of wastewater in textile processing.
Kasturi Cotton Bharat and Productivity Initiatives
Padmini Singla, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, highlighted India’s position as a major cotton producer and consumer and the sector’s importance to small and marginal farmers.
She outlined the Mission for Cotton Productivity and the Kasturi Cotton Bharat initiative, which focus on improving productivity, quality and traceability. She also highlighted investments in textile infrastructure, support for artisans and small enterprises, and the importance of open, predictable trade and market access for sustainable cotton value chains.
International Cooperation to Strengthen Cotton Value Chains
Representatives from Côte d’Ivoire, Uzbekistan, Chad, the Netherlands, Burkina Faso and Egypt, along with the Deputy Permanent Representatives of Cameroon and Peru, participated in the discussion.
Other speakers included Angélica Jácome, Director of the Food and Agriculture Organization Liaison Office with the United Nations in New York, and Dr. Keshav R. Kranthi, Chief Scientist at the International Cotton Advisory Committee.
Discussions covered opportunities to strengthen cotton value chains, support smallholders and artisans, improve processing capacity and market access, promote technology and advanced science, and deepen international partnerships.
Participants also took part in a hands-on demonstration of Pen Kalamkari on cotton, guided by a master artisan from India, showcasing the country’s traditional craft heritage.