The International Cotton Association (ICA) has been shortlisted for the Diversity and Inclusion Award as part of the Trade Association Forum (TAF) Best Practice Awards 2022. The ICA is the world’s leading international cotton trade association and arbitral body which now has more than 550 members and its membership spans all corners of the globe.

Now in its nineteenth year, the TAF Best Practice Awards 2022 are supported by the department of business, energy and industrial strategy, and recognise excellence, innovation and best practice amongst Trade Associations in the UK, ICA said in a press release.

The ICA’s entry focused on the efforts of its Women in Cotton initiative which has contributed towards great progress in the association’s gender diversity objectives in 2021. These include 27 per cent increase in female ICA Individual members, 67 per cent increase in female representation amongst ICA committees/working groups and 50 per cent increase in female representation on the ICA Board

The International Cotton Association (ICA) has been shortlisted for the Diversity and Inclusion Award as part of the Trade Association Forum (TAF) Best Practice Awards 2022. The ICA is the world’s leading international cotton trade association and arbitral body which now has more than 550 members and its membership spans all corners of the globe.

The entry also focused on ICAspire’s Professional Development Series – unique opportunities for young professionals, or those new to the industry, to take part in personal and professional development sessions delivered by some of cotton’s leading professionals.

ICA president, Alex Hsu said, “We are honoured to be shortlisted for this prestigious award and it is very encouraging to see the progress the ICA is making both in terms of gender diversity and engaging with the future leaders of our industry. I would like to give great credit to the women in cotton working group whose passion and hard work is already proving to make a positive impact on the industry. Huge credit also goes to Bill Ballenden of DragonTree Commodity Trading Limited who has delivered the ICAspire series with great professionalism and enthusiasm.”

The winner for the category will be announced at an awards ceremony in London on February 17.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)