Register Now: From Circular Textiles to Regenerative Farming – Pathways to Sustainable Livelihoods

The Hague, The Netherlands, 11 November 2026 – How can sustainable production and more inclusive value chains translate into better incomes, decent jobs and lasting opportunities for commodity-dependent communities? This question will be at the centre of the next event in the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC)'s series on Best Practices in Poverty Alleviation, organised in collaboration with the Embassy of Bangladesh to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Taking place on Monday, 16 November 2026, from 14:00 to 16:00 CET, at the Marriott Hotel in The Hague (Hybrid), the side event will explore the theme From Circular Textiles to Regenerative Farming: Pathways to Sustainable Livelihoods. The circular economy focus, brought forward by the Embassy of Bangladesh, provides an opportunity to examine how approaches originating in the textile sector can connect with broader efforts to build inclusive commodity value chains and improve livelihoods.

Moving beyond environmental considerations alone, the discussion will explore how circularity can generate economic opportunities across different stages of production and trade: from extending the value of cotton and textile materials through reuse and recycling, to improving farmers' access to structured commodity markets through Warehouse Receipt Systems and promoting regenerative agricultural practices that restore natural resources while supporting smallholder incomes.

Bringing together policymakers, international industry experts and practitioners, as well as CFC-supported project partners, the event will consider how these approaches can contribute to poverty alleviation by creating viable economic opportunities for smallholders, workers and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

From cotton fibres to circular textiles

The event will open under the chairmanship of H.E. Mr. Faiyaz Murshid Kazi, Ambassador of Bangladesh to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, reflecting Bangladesh's experience and role in the global textile and garment industry.

Amb. Gerben de Jong, former Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Bangladesh, will provide introductory remarks and reflections on the importance of sustainable transformation in the textile sector, drawing on his experience and engagement with Bangladesh.

The keynote presentation, “Cotton: A Global Public Good, Building a Circular Future”, will be delivered by Mr. Eric Trachtenberg, Managing Director of the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC). His presentation will examine cotton's role in the global economy and the opportunities for advancing more circular and sustainable approaches to fibre production and use.

Connecting circularity with inclusive commodity markets

Moving from the materials themselves to the systems that enable commodities to reach markets, the programme will introduce the role of Warehouse Receipt Systems (WRS) in supporting more inclusive agricultural value chains.

Mr. Andrey Kuleshov, Chief of Strategy and Development at the CFC, will provide a short introduction to WRS, highlighting how structured storage and warehouse receipt arrangements can help producers access finance, improve market participation and reduce some of the challenges associated with selling agricultural commodities.

The discussion will feature Mr. Asangye N. Bangu, Managing Director of Tanzania's Warehouse Receipts Regulatory Board, who will share the country's experience and institutional perspective on warehouse receipt systems. Tanzania's experience offers an opportunity to consider how effective commodity market infrastructure can support farmers, strengthen market organisation and improve the functioning of agricultural value chains.

From sustainable markets to regenerative farming

The programme will then turn to practical examples of how more sustainable production systems can improve livelihoods and strengthen the natural resource base.

Two CFC-supported project experiences will be showcased.

Mr. Julius Kalulu, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of JKCC, will present the company's experience in Uganda's coffee value chain, including its work with farmers and the integration of regenerative agricultural practices. His contribution will illustrate how investment in agricultural enterprises and closer engagement with producers can create opportunities for farmers while supporting more sustainable production.

Mr. Tim Diphoorn, Europe Director of Business Development at One Acre Fund, will share perspectives from the organisation's work supporting smallholder farmers. His contribution will highlight the importance of practical agricultural support, access to resources and market-oriented approaches in improving farm productivity and strengthening rural livelihoods.

Together, these project experiences will bring the discussion back to the people at the centre of commodity value chains: the farmers, workers and enterprises whose participation is essential to making the transition sustainable and economically viable.

A people-centred approach to the circular economy

The event reflects the CFC's broader commitment to humanising value chains by ensuring that the economic benefits of more sustainable production and trade are shared more inclusively.

Through the exchange of country experiences, institutional perspectives and practical project examples, the discussion will examine what is needed to make circular and regenerative approaches work in practice – including appropriate financing, technology, skills, market access and supportive policy frameworks.

Amb. Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Managing Director of the CFC, will deliver the closing remarks, highlighting the importance of partnerships and investment in translating sustainable value chain approaches into tangible development outcomes.

By connecting circular textiles, inclusive commodity market infrastructure and regenerative farming, the event seeks to demonstrate that the circular economy is not solely an environmental agenda. It is also an opportunity to create economic value, expand participation and build more sustainable livelihoods across commodity-producing communities.

Registration

Participation is welcome. To register for the event, here

Event details

• Event: Common Fund for Commodities (CFC)'s series on Best Practices in Poverty Alleviation Side Event - 38th Annual Meeting of the Governing Council
• Theme: Circular Economy and Inclusive Value Chains: From Circular Textiles to Regenerative Farming – Pathways to Sustainable Livelihoods
• Date: Monday, 16 November 2026
• Time: 14:00–16:00 CET
• Venue: Marriott Hotel, The Hague, The Netherlands (Hybrid)
• Co-host: Embassy of Bangladesh to the Kingdom of the Netherlands

About the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC)

The CFC is an UN-affiliated international financial institution based in Amsterdam, working in over 100 countries to support inclusive economic development through impact investing in commodity value chains.

For media inquiries, please contact: 

[CFC Media Relations Team]

[Email: managing.director@common-fund.org]

[Phone: +31 20 575 4949]