Better Cotton unveils new roadmap to boost decent work standards by 2030

Better Cotton has launched a new roadmap to strengthen its commitment to decent work, aiming to ensure dignified livelihoods for millions in the cotton sector by 2030. The plan outlines a bold framework that builds on years of field experience and sets a new direction focused on reducing vulnerabilities, increasing worker’s voices, and improving working conditions.

The strategy zeroes in on three areas: farm-level action; programme and partnership strengthening; multi-stakeholder collaboration. At the farm level, the roadmap calls for clearer guidance for field partners on labour indicators under Better Cotton’s Principles & Criteria, better labour monitoring and remediation, and improved wage transparency to establish baselines and track progress.

In programmes and partnerships, Better Cotton plans to boost partner capacity, form collaborations with aligned organisations, and mobilise funding to accelerate impact. Multi-stakeholder engagement will play a crucial role, with Better Cotton seeking stronger alliances with members, other initiatives, and governments to drive systemic change.

Leyla Shamchiyeva, Senior Manager-Decent Work, Better Cotton, emphasised the importance of collective action in creating a fairer and more resilient cotton sector one where farmers and workers are protected from child labour, forced labour, workplace harassment, discrimination, and violence.