TASHKENT: Better Cotton, a global initiative promoting sustainable cotton production, co-hosted an event in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to commemorate the one-year anniversary of its program in the country.
The event, held in collaboration with the Uzbekistan’s National Commission of Combatting Human Trafficking and Forced Labour and the Uzbekistan Textile and Garment Industry Association, brought together diverse stakeholders from government, fashion retailers, civil society, manufacturers, cotton producers, donors, and knowledge partners.
During the event, Better Cotton reflected on its achievements in Uzbekistan, where it has licensed its first clusters of farms in the past year. The organization also launched a Roadmap of Sustainability Developments, aiming to unite influential stakeholders and enhance the sustainability credentials of the cotton sector in Uzbekistan.
Better Cotton Initiative in Uzbekistan
Key speakers at the event included Ilkhom Khaydarov, Chairman of the Uzbekistan Textile and Garment Industry Association, and Joachim Fritz, Country Director for the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ). The discussions focused on Sustainable Economic Development & Market Access, Regenerative Agriculture, Decent Work and Gender Equality, and Better Cotton’s Principles & Criteria V.3.0.
One of the highlights of the event was the Innovation Marketplace, where stakeholders showcased the latest tools and sustainable practices in cotton production. The marketplace served as a platform for discussions on effective solutions to further promote sustainable practices in the cotton sector.
