Overview
مؤتمر إعادة بناء السودان المستدام بعد الحرب العاشر
– صناعة القطن
Re-Building Sudan after the War (10) Cotton Industry REGISTRATION
Tenth International Online Conference
Saturday 4th October 2025 (10:00-13:00 UK Time) (12:00-15:00 Sudan Time)
Since 15th April 2023, the deadly war and fighting in Sudan is continuing with all its serious consequences. Following the success of the previous conferences in the series, this multi-disciplinary emergency conference bring together Sudanese from inside Sudan and the Diaspora (researchers, practitioners, policy-makers, private sector, ordinary citizen) to share their strategic vision on the future of Sudan and how the Diaspora can contribute to help Sudan in such a difficult time and re-building the country after the war.
The cotton industry, pivotal to Sudan's economy and livelihoods, is at a crossroads between economic significance and sustainability challenges. However, cotton's extensive value chain in Sudan, from agriculture to textiles, plays a crucial role in job creation, poverty alleviation, rural development and social cohesion between host communities and refugees. Cotton sustainability is threatened by water-intensive cultivation and environmental degradation. Further, sustainable practices, technological advancements, research and development, and supportive policies are essential for the industry's future. Integrated Pest Management and genetically modified crops like Bt cotton are reducing pesticide use, while efficient irrigation and soil management are addressing environmental concerns. Despite these advancements, the industry's long-term viability depends on overcoming significant sustainability challenges, including water usage and agrochemical impacts. The bottom line: For Sudan, the path to a revitalized cotton sector lies in balancing economic growth with environmental and social sustainability, ensuring a more equitable future.
Among the different research tracks in the conference but not limited:
- Cotton story and heritage
- Farmer’s success stories
- Agriculture and Farming – Cotton cultivation, seed technology, pest control, irrigation, climate adaptation.
- Sustainability and Environment – Organic cotton, regenerative farming, water use efficiency, carbon footprint reduction.
- Textile and Manufacturing – Spinning, weaving, dyeing, processing innovations.
- Trade and Global Markets – International trade policies, supply chain resilience, pricing, export-import dynamics.
- Innovation and Technology – Smart farming (AI, IoT), biotech cotton, precision agriculture, circular economy.
- Policy and Governance – Government regulations, farmer support, subsidies, trade agreements.
- Fashion and Consumer Demand – Sustainable fashion trends, traceability, brand commitments.
- Investment and Finance – Cotton futures, commodity markets, financing farmers and textile producers.
Location
Queen Mary University of London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom
Team
The conference is organised by several committees from WASD and under close supervision of WASD Advisory Board.
WASD Team
- Prof. Allam Ahmed: Co-Chair and President WASD
- Janet Snow: International Coordinator and Editor
