# Our vision and mission ## Vision Our vision is a world where all textiles are produced in accordance with the principles of health, ecology, fairness and care to enhance people’s lives and the environment. [Organic](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/organic "

'Organic' is a regulated term used to distinguish systems of managed production and products derived therefrom that adhere to principles of health, ecology, fairness and care, and which are certified compliant to an organic standard's regulations by an Approved Certification Body.
GOTS defines organic textiles as being made with fibres from organic agriculture systems that are certified to one of the IFOAM Family of Standards, and that are processed in socially and ecologically responsible ways, in alignment with organic principles.

") textiles are an integral part of this holistic approach. ## Mission Our mission is to ensure the highest level of social and environmental impact in textile value chains through Voluntary [Sustainability](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/sustainability "

In 1987, the United Nations Brundtland Commission defined sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

") [Standards](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/standard "

standard glossary text

") and related activities. We fulfil our mission by development, implementation, verification, protection and promotion of global Voluntary Sustainability [Standards](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/standard "

standard glossary text

") (VSS) for textiles. Building on our successful Global Organic Textile Standard ([GOTS](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/gots "

The worldwide leading voluntary sustainability standard for the post-harvest textile value chain for certified organic fibres, covering environmental criteria, human rights, social criteria and business conduct.

")) programme and its proven impact, these standards establish requirements throughout the textile value chain for environmental criteria, [human rights](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/human-rights "

Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status. Human rights include the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to work and education, and many more. Everyone is entitled to these rights, without discrimination. (Source: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, United Nations)

") and social criteria, as well as [responsible business conduct](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/responsible-business-conduct "

A comprehensive approach to business operations that aligns with the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains in the Garment and Footwear Sector. It encompasses a range of practices and policies that businesses should adopt to ensure they contribute positively to sustainable development, respect human rights, protect the environment and uphold ethical standards throughout their operations and supply chains.

"). We define sustainable materials and practices based on robust scientific findings, ensuring our standards are credible, effective and impactful.