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Category: Events

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Category: Events

2019 Global Cotton Sustainability Conference: Speakers and Sessions Announced

Emma Upton on February 28, 2019

The 2019 Global Cotton Sustainability Conference will bring the entire sector together on 12 – 13 June, to shape a more sustainable future for cotton. Join industry leaders and experts in Shanghai for an interactive opportunity to explore topics at field level, in the supply chain and in consumer-facing business.

The scope of the annual conference hosted by BCI has been enhanced this year, and BCI is collaborating with other sustainable cotton standards and initiatives – including Organic Cotton Accelerator, Textile Exchange, Cotton Made in Africa, Fairtrade International and Cotton Australia – to develop the agenda.

Register here.

Confirmed speakers represent the entire cotton supply chain, from cotton farms to retail giants. Join us and hear from many great speakers, including: Christophe Roussel, Executive Vice President at GAP Inc.; Almas Parveen, BCI Field Facilitator and Farmer, REEDS; Daniel Gustafson, Deputy Director-General (Programmes) at the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO); and Anita Chester, Head of Sustainable Raw Materials, C&A Foundation.

You can look forward to thought-provoking sessions, including:

Keynote sessions

  • Good Business Can Change the World
  • Creating Change in Global Agriculture

Plenary panel discussions

  • Experiences from the Field: Smallholder Farmers
  • Experiences from the Field: Large Scale Farmers

Breakout sessions

  • Women in Agriculture
  • Adapting to a Warmer World
  • Demystifying the Value of Raw Cotton: An Introduction to Value Differences and Cotton Classification
  • And more

Register here.

The conference is sponsored by many globally renowned organisations. We have a variety of sponsorship packages available, please contact [email protected] for more information.

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Registration Is Open for the 2019 Global Cotton Sustainability Conference

Emma Upton on December 10, 2018

 
2019 Global Cotton Sustainability Conference
Driving Change from Field to Fashion
11 – 13 June, 2019 |Shanghai, China

The 2019 Global Cotton Sustainability Conference will bring the entire sector together in Shanghai on 12 – 13 June, to shape a more sustainable future for cotton. Join industry leaders and experts for an interactive opportunity to explore topics at field level, in the supply chain and in consumer-facing business.

Prior to the public conference, on 11 June, the Better Cotton Initiative will host its Annual Member Meeting to share organisational updates, report on Better Cotton supply and facilitate a new peer-engagement platform.

Register before 15 Febto take advantage of the early-bird registration fees. BCI Members receive an additional 60% discount!

Call for Speakers

This year we are inviting other cotton sustainability standards and initiatives to participate in shaping the agenda of the 2019 Global Cotton Sustainability Conference.If you would like to share your ideas, expertise and insights with us, please submit your speaker proposal by 15 December.Learn more.

Sponsorship Opportunities

The global conference provides access to an international audience, prominent stakeholders within the cotton industry and organisations with a commitment to sustainability. We have a variety of conference sponsorship packages still available.Contact[email protected]for further information.

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Driving Change Is a Joint Effort: Call for 2019 Conference Speakers

Emma Upton on November 5, 2018

 
BCI is taking a new approach to our 2019 annual conference. Transformative change can only happen though collaboration, so we are inviting other cotton sustainability standards and initiatives to participate in shaping the agenda to make the event an enriching experience for all attendees. We have changed the name of the conference to Global Cotton Sustainability Conferenceto reflect this inclusive approach. We are excited to be working with the following organisations in developing the conference agenda: Associação Brasileira dos Produtores de Algodão (ABRAPA), Cotton Australia, Cotton Made in Africa (CMiA), Fairtrade, Organic Cotton Accelerator (OCA) and Textile Exchange.

Crispin Argento,Executive Director, OCA believes that, ”Lasting impact and transformational change in sustainable cotton is achieved through collaboration, sector alignment and knowledge sharing. OCA is excited to work with BCI and other standards to improve the livelihoods of 100 million farming households globally and double-down on our collective impact on the environment“.

In addition to this collaboration, we are also launching aCall for Speakers where the cotton sector is invited to submit recommendations for conference speakers and topics. Our goal is to curate exceptional content, generate debate and ensure that the event is an opportunity to enhance attendees’ knowledge and expertise. You can contribute your ideas through this brief online survey. Please share your thoughts with us by 15 December 2018. Topics can range from presenting evidence-based approaches, to sharing unique viewpoints that have not been included in previous conferences.

We look forward to seeing you in Shanghai next June!

Event details:

2019 Global Cotton Sustainability Conference

Driving Change from Field to Fashion

Shanghai, China |11 – 13 June 2019

11 June: BCI Annual Member Meeting

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Better Cotton Field Trips Connect the Cotton Sector

Emma Upton on November 2, 2018

BCI hosts annual field trips to China, India, Pakistan, Turkey and the USA – creating an open and transparent space where members can meet directly with licensed BCI Farmers and Implementing Partners. BCI Farmers and Implementing Partners have a platform to highlight the successes and challenges of more sustainable cotton production, and members are able to see first-hand the sustainable practices that are being implemented on the ground.

This year, BCI has hosted trips in China, Pakistan and the USA, with a forthcoming trip in India planned for late November.

USA |13 – 14 September 2018

A total of 50 attendees from across the cotton supply chain were able to experience cotton agriculture in West Texas, USA. Attendees visited two cotton farms and the Quarterway Cotton Gin, dissected cotton plants, and toured the Texas Tech University Fiber and Biopolymer Research Institute. Representatives from American Eagle Outfitters, Ann Inc., IKEA, J. Crew, Ralph Lauren, C&A Mexico, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture, and Texas Alliance for Water Conservation were among those who attended.

”The tour was very educational and informative. I especially enjoyed the research institute tour, as well as hearing directly from the farmers.” – Anonymous.

China |25 – 28 September 2018

In Xinjiang, China, BCI’s Implementing Partner, Cotton Connect, gave representatives from Fast Retailing, PVH Corp., Levi Strauss & Co., Target Corp, Cotton On, and Joules an introduction into cotton production in China. Attendees visited two cotton farms during the cotton harvest and met with licensed BCI Farmers Liu Wenchao and Kong Lingqua. They also visited a cotton gin and a state-of-the-art spinning facility during the two-day trip.

”Thank you BCI for organising the field trip – we are leaving with a deeper understanding of BCI and Better Cotton. Thank you for your efforts.” – Levi Strauss & Co.

Pakistan |10 October 2018

Representatives from Bedding House, Hennes & Mauritz AB, the International Labour Organization, Lindex AB, Louis Dreyfus Company and Decathlon SA were amongst those who attended the BCI Field Trip to Matiari, Pakistan, to see how farmers are overcoming cotton production challenges in the region. BCI’s Implementing Partner CABI-CWA organised a farmer meeting so that BCI Farmers could share their success stories and examples of best practice with the group. After a visit to the cotton fields, attendees visited a nearby gin.

”We are thankful to BCI for organising such a great workshop and field trip. The trip provided us with lots of information and really showed BCI’s dedication and the achievements they have made over the last few the years. We hope such events will continue.”– Lindex.

It’s not too late to join us for a BCI Field Trip!

Our final trip of the year is taking place in Maharashtra, India, on 27 – 29 November. Find out more and register here.

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Save the Date: 2019 Global Cotton Sustainability Conference

Emma Upton on September 12, 2018

 
We are delighted to announce that the 2019 Global Cotton Sustainability Conference will take place in Shanghai, China on 11 – 13 June, 2019.

If you want to know what to expect at the conference, take a look at our 2018 highlights in the video below.

The BCI 2018 Global Cotton Conference was BCI’s largest event to date. More than 340 people from across the cotton sector came together to collaborate on a more sustainable future for cotton.

You can find a summary of the 2018 conference and further detailshere.

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Better Cotton 2018 Global Cotton Conference: Highlights

Emma Upton on June 28, 2018

This week, the BCI 2018 Global Cotton Conference brought the entire sector together on 27–28 June, to collaborate on a more sustainable future for cotton. We have now reached the end of the conference and would like to share our top five highlights with all of you who could not join us in Brussels, Belgium, this year.

Sustainable Development Goals

In 1969 we saw the Earth for the first time, and in doing so it sparked a movement towards protecting it. Brice Lalonde, former sustainability advisor to the UN, opened the conference with a powerful and energetic talk on the evolution of the Sustainable Development Goals and their power to drive positive change. The SDGs provide a clear framework for global action which sits above country borders and political landscapes.

Scaling Demand and the CottonUp Guide

Dr. Sally Uren, CEO at Forum for the Future and Anita Chester, Head of Sustainable Raw Materials at C&A Foundation, launched the new CottonUp guide at the conference. CottonUp is a guide to sourcing more sustainable cotton and aims to equip retailers and brands with information to increase their sourcing volumes of more sustainable cotton. Take a look athttp://www.cottonupguide.organd share it with your colleagues.

BCI Farmer Panel

Three BCI Farmers, Zeb Winslow III (USA), Vinodbhai Jasrajbhai Patel (India) and Almas Parveen (Pakistan) shared their captivating personal stories with conference attendees. Due to Pakistani visa issues, Almas, unfortunately, could not attend the conference in person, but gave her heartfelt account via video. From challenging gender inequality, to training their peers, to implementing innovative sustainable practices, this insightful and emotive session brought more sustainable cotton production to life.

Breakout Sessions

Numerous and varied breakout sessions during the two-day conference allowed attendees to choose from field level, supply chain or consumer facing topics of interest. Breakout sessions were interactive, and the audience participated with panellists to address key challenges and solutions in the sector.

The Harvest

Throughout the conference, a graphic recorder encapsulated key points from each session and brought these ideas to life visually. This culminated in a highly participatory session called “The Harvest.’ The session prompted attendees to think ahead to 2030. Discussions were focused on stories of success and progress, hopes for the future in the cotton sector, the greatest opportunities available to us now, and actions required for change.

Thanks to all of the presenters, panellists and participants, the BCI 2018 Global Cotton Conference has been a great success. We look forward to seeing everyone next year in Shanghai, 11-13 June 2019.

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Sustainable Development: Q&A with Brice Lalonde

Well Studio on June 5, 2018

Brice Lalonde, former sustainability advisor to the UN Global Compact, has built an inspiring career dedicated to sustainable development and the environment. His profession has seen him working with environmental NGOs, as a minister in the French government and as a climate change negotiator, among other important roles.

Brice will be sharing his knowledge and insights as a keynote speaker at the BCI 2018 Global Cotton Conference. His talk will focus on the Sustainable Development Goals, how they are influencing all industries, and the implications for agriculture. He will also explore how climate change is likely to influence decision making in the next decade.

We caught up with Brice ahead of the conference to get his thoughts on how we should be tackling sustainability challenges.

 

How can sustainable development effortsaddress some of the world’s most pressing sustainability challenges?

Sustainable development requires a holistic approach. Using water as an example, (I work in the areas of water and climate) you cannot manage water if you do not take into account the full picture. Looking upstream you have the environmental features of the water catchment area; the weather conditions, whether there is rain or drought, whether there are wetlands and riparian forests. Looking downstream you need to consider how water is being used; the efficient and fair distribution of water to the urban dwellers, to rural farmers, to farmed animals such as cattle, to wild animals and to industries. Then we need to consider how we clean the water to reuse it. All of these elements are interconnected. In some places of the world, water is very scarce, and over pumping of underground fossil water, although seen as an immediate solution, could lead to disaster in the future. Sustainable policies, cooperation and collaboration are key to addressing the water challenge.

 

Do you think multi-stakeholder efforts can be effective in addressing key sustainability challenges?

I believe multi-stakeholder alliances are the most effective way to tackle sustainability challenges, and I think the Better Cotton Initiative is a good example of such an approach. Inter-governmental negotiations can be slow; nation states don’t always tolerate interference nor any form of supranational control, and they cannot act beyond their borders. Therefore, there are challenges. Building an international coalition of corporations, NGOs, local governments, universities and media, all focussing on very targeted goals with a system of accountability of its own is much more effective in addressing key sustainability challenges. Nation states have now done their job. They have adopted the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, and they have signed The Paris Agreement, which brings all nations together for the common cause of undertakingambitious efforts to combat climate change and adapt to its effects. We know what the international community wants. Inside this framework we hope to see a flourishing of multi-stakeholder projects that will combine the strength and competencies of each member to address key sustainability challenges.

 

BCI stewards a holistic Standard that incorporates economic, social and environmental elements of sustainability. How do you see each of these elements working together to affect real lasting change?

There is no way of addressing the world’s challenges if the different dimensions of sustainable development are not intertwined properly. In one corner of the triangle, the life of the population and their economies are embedded in nature. If nature is destroyed, the pattern of a society and the basis for the economy will be ruined. In the second corner of the triangle, a stable and healthy society is connected to a thriving economy, and you need a strong economy to steward the environment. Social justice and gender equity are probably the most important conditions in order for people to feel useful to the community and be happy to be in that community. There is a strong risk of unrest if inequalities widen and if people are disadvantaged. And in the third corner of the triangle, a society needs to create wealth for the long term. Today a lot of corporations want to contribute to the common good while pursuing their mission. Although they have one constraint: not to lose money. We can see that each point of the triangle is connected, and all elements of sustainability have an impact on one another.

 

Join us for the BCI 2018 Global Cotton Conference.

Toward 2030: Scaling Impact Through Collaboration

Brussels, Belgium | 26 – 28 June

Register here.

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Register Now for the Better Cotton 2018 Global Cotton Conference: Early-Bird Offer Plus Special Discount for Better Cotton Members

Emma Upton on January 22, 2018

Toward 2030: Scaling Impact Through Collaboration
26 – 28 June 2018
Brussels, Belgium

26 June 2018: BCI Members-Only General Assembly & An Introduction to BCI
27 – June 2018: BCI Global Cotton Conference open to all

The second edition of the BCI Global Cotton Conference will bring the entire sector together on 26 – 28 June to collaborate on a more sustainable future for cotton. Join industry leaders and experts for an interactive opportunity to explore thematics at field level, in the supply chain and in consumer facing business.

Prior to the public conference, BCI will host a half-day members’ only meeting with relevant organisational updates on membership benefits, governance and strategy.

Take advantage of the early-bird registration fee and book your tickets today – the early-bird rate expires on 15 February 2018. BCI Members receive an additional 60% discount.

Click hereto register

Sponsors

We are always thankful to our generous supporters. We are proud to welcome C&A as the BCI 2018 Global Cotton Conference Welcome Reception Sponsor; JFS San and ChainPoint as Coffee Break Sponsors; VF Corporation and Target as Farmer Travel Sponsors; and IDH The Sustainable Trade Initiative as the Better Cotton Growth and Innovation Fund sponsor.

The conference offers a range of sponsorship opportunities and we look forward to welcoming more supporters. For moreinformation about sponsorship, questions or support with the conference, please contact the Membership team.

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120 Organisations Gathered in India to Drive the Cotton Sector Towards Sustainability

Emma Upton on September 29, 2017

Representatives from 120 BCI Member organisations gathered in New Delhi last week, bringing the entire cotton supply chain together in a truly collaborative effort to develop Better Cotton as a sustainable mainstream commodity.

From cotton bale to consumer, ginners, spinners, fabric mills, garment manufacturers, retailers and brands from across the country attended the BCI Regional Members’ Meeting to learn, network and ultimately increase uptake of Better Cotton.Inspiring presentations, networking sessions, panel discussions and one-to-one meetings enabled attendees from both supply and demand to share perspectives and best practices and to discuss both successes and challenges in producing and sourcing Better Cotton.

The day began with interactive sessions which provided a platform for one-to-one conversations and for attendees to network and build valuable business connections. In the afternoonpresentations were given by industry experts, including Suresh Kotak, Chairman at Kotak Commodities; Pramit Chanda, Cotton and Apparel Programme Director at IDH; and Kushal Shah, Trader at Paul Reinhart.Representatives from Splash – the first BCI Retailer and Brand Member from the Middle East – and IKEA also gave presentations on their commitments to sustainability.

To round the day off, a BCI Retailer and Brand Member’s panel discussion saw representatives from GAP, IKEA, Varner and Decathlon share the story of their BCI journey and sustainability experiences.

Vinay Kumar,Membership Coordinator (India) commented, ”It was brilliant to see so many different actors from across the cotton supply chain coming together in such a collaborative manner. The BCI Regional Member Meetings are designed to provide practical advice and guidance to member organisations and also to facilitate opportunities for increased Better Cotton uptake.”

In India, there are more than 408,000 farmers licensed to grow and sell Better Cotton – in the 2015/16 season they produced 373,000 metric tonnes of Better Cotton lint. The 2015/16 Harvest Report containing the latest farm results will be published shortly.

Additional BCI Regional Member Meetings will take place in Pakistan, Bangladesh and China in the coming months. For more information please visit ourevents page.

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Keynote Speakers Confirmed for Better Cotton’s 2015 Members’ Meeting

Well Studio on March 16, 2015

We are pleased to announce that Mike Barry, Director of Sustainable Business at Marks & Spencer and Jos√© Sette, Executive Director of the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) will be Keynote Speakersat our 2015 Members’ Meeting in June.

Mike Barry sits on the board of the World Environment Centre and BiTC’s Mayday Network and in May 2011, was named the Guardian’s inaugural Sustainable Business Innovator of the Year. He was part of the small team that developed Marks and Spencer’s ground-breaking Plan A, a 100 point, 5 year plan to address a wide range of environmental and social issues for the company.

Prior to his role as the Executive Director of ICAC, José Sette served as an Executive Director at the International Coffee Organization (ICO) and has a wealth of experience in international trade and agricultural commodities.

Members can hear Mike Barry and Jos√© Sette speak in Istanbul on June 9th and 10th respectively. If you haven’t already, you can register to attend the 2015 Members’ Meeting byclicking here.

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Former ICAC Executive Director is Better Cotton Keynote Speaker

Well Studio on June 3, 2014

We are pleased to have Dr Terry Townsend as our Keynote Speaker at the BCI General Assembly this June. Described by cotton media as an “industry icon and visionary”, Dr Townsend served as executive director of the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) from 1999 to 2013. Before that he worked at the United States Department of Agriculture analysing the U.S. cotton industry and editing a magazine devoted to a cross-section of agricultural issues. Dr Townsend now works as a consultant on commodity issues, especially those involving cotton, and he sits on the BCI Advisory Committee.Members can hear Dr Townsend speak on Tuesday, 24 June. If you haven’t already, you can register to attend the General Assembly byclicking here.

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Former ICAC Executive Director is Better Cotton Keynote Speaker

Well Studio on June 3, 2014

We are pleased to have Dr Terry Townsend as our Keynote Speaker at the BCI General Assembly this June. Described by cotton media as an “industry icon and visionary”, Dr Townsend served as executive director of the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) from 1999 to 2013. Before that he worked at the United States Department of Agriculture analysing the U.S. cotton industry and editing a magazine devoted to a cross-section of agricultural issues. Dr Townsend now works as a consultant on commodity issues, especially those involving cotton, and he sits on the BCI Advisory Committee.Members can hear Dr Townsend speak on Tuesday, 24 June. If you haven’t already, you can register to attend the General Assembly byclicking here.

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