FAO Digital Media Hub - World Cotton Day 2025

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World Cotton Day 2025

07 October 2025, Video Message by Dr QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General for the World Cotton Day 2025

Language English

Duration 3m34s

Edit Version Full Mix

Video Type Video Message

Date 10/01/2025

File size 391.09 MB

Unique ID UF21ELE

Production details and shotlist

Script Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Welcome to FAO headquarters for the celebration of World Cotton Day 2025, co-organized with the Government of Chad and the International Trade Centre.
I would like to thank the Cotton4+ countries for their leadership in establishing this International Day, together with all our partners for their continued support.
Cotton is more than just a crop.
It is woven into our daily lives — from the clothes we wear to the communities whose livelihoods depend on it.
This year’s celebration holds special significance.
On 16 October, FAO will celebrate its 80th anniversary – eight decades of dedication to ending hunger, improving nutrition, and advancing inclusive and sustainable rural development.
Throughout this journey, cotton has remained an important part of our mission.
It is cultivated by around 24 million farmers and sustains the livelihoods of more than 100 million families across the globe.
And global cotton trade generates about USD 20 billion in export revenues annually.
Yet, the cotton sector faces a number of complex global challenges – from extreme weather events to economic shocks and geopolitical tensions,
As well as yield stagnation and growing competition from synthetic fibres.
By working together, we can transform the cotton sector to become more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable,
By producing more with less, the sector can contribute to the Four Betters: better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life – leaving no one behind.
Effective transformation requires strong political commitment, science and innovation, and sustained investments.
It also calls for solidarity and partnerships, uniting governments, the private sector, civil society, and all global partners.
Ladies and Gentlemen,

This year’s World Cotton Day also celebrates cotton’s role in culture, design, and fashion,
Highlighting that cotton is more than just a commodity – it tells a story of resilience, of heritage and of innovation.
FAO remains committed to supporting cotton-producing countries through initiatives like the Plus Cotton project and the FAO Hand-in-Hand Initiative, which bring together partners to harness cotton’s power in economic growth, food security, and social progress.
Together, we must ensure that cotton remains a fibre of opportunity for generations to come.
Thank you.

QU Dongyu, FAO Director General - Video

Video messages - Qu Dongyu, FAO Director General

2025 DG Video messages - ALL

10 - October

World Cotton Day 2025

(Standard Video)

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