India and Mali commemorate World Cotton Day at United Nations HQ,New York

The Permanent Missions of India and Mali to the United Nations jointly organized an event on the theme “Cotton for Sustainability: Livelihoods, Value Addition and Partnership” at the United Nations Headquarters in New York , commemorating World Cotton Day. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 7 October as World Cotton Day through resolution 75/318. The observance draws attention to cotton’s role in economic development, international trade and poverty alleviation, particularly in developing and least developed countries. The event brought together Members of Parliament from India, representatives of Member States and international organizations to discuss cotton’s contribution to livelihoods, value addition and the Sustainable Development Goals.

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.

Ambassador Issa Konfourou, Permanent Representative of Mali to the United Nations, highlighted cotton’s importance to Mali’s economy and rural livelihoods.

Asit Kumar Mal, Member of Parliament, drew on the experience of Kantha embroidery in Bolpur, West Bengal, to highlight how traditional craftsmanship adds value to cotton, supports women’s livelihoods and promotes reuse and resource efficiency.

L. K. Sudhish, Member of Parliament, highlighted Tamil Nadu’s experience in cotton knitwear and garment manufacturing, including the contribution of smaller enterprises, shared infrastructure and skilled workers.

Ms. Padmini Singla, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, highlighted India’s role as a major producer and consumer of cotton and the sector’s importance to small and marginal farmers.

The Permanent Representatives of Côte d’Ivoire, Uzbekistan, Chad, the Netherlands, Burkina Faso and Egypt, and the Deputy Permanent Representatives of Cameroon and Peru; Ms. Angélica Jácome, Director, Food and Agriculture Organization Liaison Office with the United Nations in New York; and Dr. Keshav R. Kranthi, Chief Scientist, International Cotton Advisory Committee, spoke on the occasion. (UPDATED ON 9TH OCTOBER 2026)