BCI roundtable discussion

Today, the Better Cotton Initiative held a roundtable discussion titled “Thread of Change: From the Burden of the Past to Current Needs and a Shared Future,” bringing together experts, partners, and industry leaders committed to the sustainable development of cotton growing in Uzbekistan.

Among the participants was Mr. Yannis Bellinghausen, Senior Director of Standards & Systems at BCI. We were pleased to have the opportunity to discuss a number of systemic issues with him directly and exchange practical insights essential for further advancing sustainability standards.

Muzaffar Razakov, CEO of Global Textile and Chairman of the Light Industry Council, noted in his opening remarks:

“Every program, every BCI forum is a kind of compass. And today’s meeting is yet another opportunity to align our coordinates so that the entire system — from cotton fields to brands — moves in one rhythm.”

During the discussion, participants shared insights from their recent visit to Brazil, speaking about local cotton-growing methods and the conditions in which the farming sector operates there. They explored which practices could benefit Uzbekistan’s cotton value chain and how they might be adapted to the local context.

A workshop was also held, where participants identified current and past challenges in the sector and outlined their expectations for its future development.

The meeting concluded with the signing of a memorandum and a roadmap defining the next steps toward building a sustainable and modern cotton industry.