Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Better Cotton is launching a program in Uzbekistan, which was announced at an event with the participation of all interested partners in Tashkent.

The event, organized by the international non-governmental organization Better Cotton with the support of the National Commission for Combating Human Trafficking and Forced Labor, as well as the Association "Uztekstilprom", was held on the theme Better Cotton Uzbekistan - better for the environment, better for society, better for the economy, better for the future."

It was attended by the Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis, the Chairperson of the National Commission for Combating Human Trafficking and Forced Labor Tanzila Narbayeva, as well as the heads of ministries and departments, including the ministries of agriculture and water resources, employment and labor relations, investment and foreign trade, the Council for cotton growing under the President of Uzbekistan, business associations.

The event will also bring together stakeholders involved in the development and implementation of policies and reforms from across the cotton sector in Uzbekistan. Among them are industry structures, manufacturers and retailers, international organizations and civil society. Speakers are expected from members of Better Cotton representing international brands, including Arvind Rewal, Ikea’s global cotton development manager.

Better Cotton was represented at the conference by General Manager Alan McClay, Senior Program Director Damien Sanfilippo and New Country Program Manager Rachel Beckett.

The event will be an open platform for all stakeholders to discuss sustainability issues in the cotton sector and set priorities at the national level. Better Cotton is also looking to chart the direction of its new program in Uzbekistan, taking into account the priorities of farmers in the country.

Participants shared their findings on policy development, progress and challenges in implementing field interventions, and approaches to strengthening sustainable cotton production in Uzbekistan. Presentations and open discussions will focus on identifying the most pressing challenges in the cotton sector, as well as formulating key priorities that will ensure the success of local interventions and help deepen the impact of the Better Cotton Program in Uzbekistan.

In her speech, the Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis, Tanzila Narbayeva, emphasized that Uzbekistan’s participation in the Better Cotton program will be the best way to realize our vision for the development of the textile industry, which will provide decent employment, increase business competitiveness and contribute to inclusive economic growth, as well as expand opportunities women."

Hope was expressed for support in expanding activities in the country, interest in developing and adopting a joint Roadmap to strengthen interaction between Uzbekistan and BCI, including such measures as ensuring environmental sustainability in agriculture, preventing the effects of climate change, effective implementation of international standards and criteria in the cotton and textile industry.

“Based on the recommendations of international partners, the National Commission adopted a separate Roadmap for the implementation of international standards in the textile industry of the republic, which are consonant with the BCI criteria,” Tanzila Narbayeva noted. – It is gratifying that today the manufacturers themselves are interested in their implementation. I am convinced that the Multilateral Coordinating Council that we are creating within the framework of the National Commission with the participation of BCI and the active involvement of civil society institutions will contribute to the successful implementation of the Roadmap.

Better Cotton CEO Alan McClay noted that Better Cotton works around the world to support the farming community and continually improve their operations.

Uzbekistan has a successful cotton sector and we look forward to working with partners in a country that prioritizes a sustainable, farmer-centered future.”

As a result of the conference, it is planned to sign a joint resolution, which will reflect the priorities of all stakeholders and the intentions of joint cooperation within the Better Cotton program in Uzbekistan.

Better Cotton is the world’s largest cotton sustainability program. Our mission is to help cotton communities survive and thrive by protecting and restoring the environment. In difficult times, we solve this problem with our heads. Through our network of local partners, we have trained more than 2.5 million farmers, from the smallest to the largest, in 25 countries on more sustainable farming practices. Almost a quarter of the world’s cotton is now grown according to the Better Cotton Standard. We have brought together industry stakeholders in our efforts, from ginners and spinners to brand owners, civil society organizations and governments. Everyone who cares about cotton and its sustainable future can now be part of something better.