The World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) have taken significant steps to advance the "Partenariat pour le Coton," an initiative unveiled on February 25 by WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. This initiative is designed to enhance the partnership between the two organizations and support African countries in participating more fully in cotton value chains. The launch follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the WTO and FIFA in 2022.
A recent Steering Committee meeting saw participation from various international organizations, including representatives from FIFA, the WTO, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), International Labour Organization (ILO), African Export-Import Bank (Afrieximbank), Better Cotton Initiative (BCI), Cotton Made in Africa (CMIA), International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC), International Trade Centre (ITC), and United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). Officials from C4 plus countries were also present.
During this meeting, participants committed to building on the momentum achieved with the launch of Partenariat pour le Coton and enhancing collaboration among multiple agencies. They reviewed progress made so far, particularly focusing on work done in West Africa by CMIA, known for its standards in sustainable cotton.
Discussions included potential actions to drive future investments and measures within Western Africa's cotton-to-textile production chains, aiming to improve economic outcomes for these countries. New partners IAEA and ILO shared insights into how their work can support technical analyses of the cotton sector in C4 plus countries.
Ambassador Stephen Fevrier, Senior Advisor to the WTO Director-General, praised the Steering Committee's dedication to aiding African cotton-producing nations in advancing along cotton-to-textile value chains. He urged increased efforts to raise awareness and attract additional stakeholder support for Partenariat pour le Coton.
The next Steering Committee meeting is scheduled for early June 2024 in Cotonou, Benin.
Further information about Partenariat pour le Coton will soon be available on a dedicated webpage on the WTO website. A video of the launch event is also accessible online.