The Group provides a structured channel for cotton producer representatives, workers, trade unions, sustainable SMEs and civil society experts to inform the FTAO’s annual and multi-annual strategy, ensuring our EU-level advocacy reflects real needs on the ground. Members will also receive timely updates on EU policy developments and contribute directly to joint advocacy actions, strengthening their engagement with EU institutions.

The Strategy Group has already begun its work, offering evidence-based recommendations that will feed directly into the FTAO Board’s strategic decision-making. We are grateful for the commitment, expertise, and time that each member brings, and we warmly thank FTAO Board member Juanjo Martínez for his guidance in establishing this group. 

Meet the members

• Dr. Hazem Fouda - Agronomist and Cotton Sustainability Expert (Egypt): Dr. Hazem Fouda brings over 25 years of experience in sustainable cotton production, agricultural capacity building and environmental stewardship. A former Technical Expert for UNIDO’s Egypt Cotton Project, he has worked with Better Cotton and the International Cotton Training Center, and is a prolific author in agricultural sciences.
• Richa Saxena - Founder of KOSH-Treasure of Khadi (India): Richa Saxena leads KOSH–Treasure of Khadi, a social enterprise which empowers more than 3,200 rural artisans through water-efficient, biodegradable textile production. With a strong academic background and international recognition for her work in sustainable textiles, she bridges grassroots innovation with policy and global market access.
• Tobias Meier - Cotton & Textiles Specialist, Fairtrade International (Switzerland): Tobias Meier is a cotton and sustainable textiles expert, currently serving as Global Product Manager for Cotton/Textiles at Fairtrade International and as President of the Swiss Fair Trade chapter, among other leadership positions in sustainable textile organisations. He is known for award-winning work to strengthen organic Fairtrade cotton sourcing from West Africa, helping improve market access for smallholder farmers. 
• Ata Ullah A.N.M. - Outreach Manager, Mapped in Bangladesh (Bangladesh): Ata Ullah leads stakeholder engagement at BRAC University’s Mapped in Bangladesh (MiB) initiative, which provides granular, credible data on environmental and social aspects of more than 3,500 RMG factories. With extensive experience supporting international brands on sourcing, compliance and responsible business, he brings deep insight into supply-chain transparency and responsible business practices.

By integrating the knowledge of producers, workers, SMEs and researchers, the creation of the Textiles Advocacy Strategy Group aims to strengthen the FTAO’s mission to advocate for a global textile sector grounded in equity, dignity, and sustainability.  

Background 

Since 2025, the FTAO has held a seat on the European Commission’s Ecodesign Forum, contributing to the implementation of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). In partnership with allied civil society organisations and trade unions, the FTAO advocates for more ambitious social and environmental commitments in the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles (2024–2029) and for new EU-wide legislation to address unfair trading practices (UTPs) in the sector.