 From field to fabric, the familiar touch of cotton is woven into our lives. Cotton is one of the oldest natural fibres. It is the thread connecting civilisations. Cotton's importance extends far beyond apparel. Worth billions, the cotton industry sustains 100 million families in almost 80 countries. Low-income countries earn much needed revenues from cotton exports and nearly half of the world's 32 million cotton farmers are women. Consumers appreciate cotton's natural properties. But as demand grows, cotton faces uncertainties. Climate change and stable prices and global economic shocks are all impacting the sector. Currently, 20% of cotton is being sustainably produced, but the sector is determined to adapt. The focus is on transforming parts of the plant into high-value products like fuel, food and fertilizer. We must foster sustainable growth by harnessing the power of science, innovation and technology. Improving cotton's performance as a fibre to meet consumers' evolving demand, creating jobs for young people and weaving a bright path into the future. World Cotton Day celebrates this precious resource for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.