In Geneva, Tanzila Narbaeva, Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan and Head of the National Commission on Combating Human Trafficking and Ensuring Decent Work, met with Alan McClay, Chief Executive Officer of the international organization Better Cotton. The meeting focused on Uzbekistanʼs experience implementing the Better Cotton program and explored prospects for expanding cooperation in this area.

Both sides emphasized that the Better Cotton initiative serves not only as a certification mechanism in cotton production but also as a key platform for promoting environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and improved labor standards. Participation in the program is opening new opportunities for Uzbek cotton producers to access international markets, thereby helping to strengthen the countryʼs position as a reliable partner in the global textile industry.

The discussion also addressed the potential for expanding the programʼs reach in Uzbekistan. Currently, the program includes six cotton clusters that produce nearly 30,000 tons of raw cotton annually. These outcomes reflect the platformʼs role in fostering a culture of sustainable production and responsible supply practices within the country.

Both parties expressed readiness to deepen their partnership and agreed to elevate the cooperation between Uzbekistan and Better Cotton to a new level. This move is expected to serve as a significant step toward advancing sustainable agriculture and implementing international labor standards in Uzbekistan.