(AGENPARL) – Fri 16 May 2025 FAO to celebrate three UN International Days
World Bee Day, International Tea Day and International Day for Biological Diversity observed 20–22 May
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) will join global efforts next week to mark three important United Nations observances: World Bee Day (20 May), International Tea Day (21 May) and the International Day for Biological Diversity (22 May). These days are a reminder of how essential pollinators, biodiversity, and sustainable farming practices are to people, nature, and agrifood systems.
World Bee Day – 20 May 2025
Bees and other pollinators are essential to food production, ecosystem health, and economic well-being. Approximately 75 percent of the world’s leading food crops depend, at least in part, on pollination.
Despite their importance, pollinators are increasingly under threat from habitat loss, pesticide use, disease, invasive species and climate change. World Bee Day 2025 — under the theme “Bee inspired by nature to nourish us all” — will be marked by a hybrid high-level event in Jimma, Ethiopia, which will also launch the Second International Forum on Sustainable Beekeeping and Pollination.
The Forum is organized by the Government of Ethiopia and the Government of Slovenia, with the support of FAO, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and Apimondia, the International Federation of Beekeepers’ Associations. It will bring together policymakers, scientists, beekeepers, Indigenous Peoples, NGOs and private sector actors to promote sustainable beekeeping practices and pollinator-friendly agriculture. Main speakers include:
Moses Vilakati, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment, African Union Commission (AUC)
Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) – video message
Rita Bissoonauth, Director of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Liaison Office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Mateja Čalušić, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Food of Slovenia – video message
Abebe Haile-Gabriel, Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa, FAO
QU Dongyu, Director-General, FAO – video message
Girma Amente, Minister of Agriculture Ethiopia
This year’s edition will focus on Africa, spotlighting local innovation and regional experiences.
Follow the hybrid high-level event in Jimma, Ethiopia live here.
International Tea Day – 21 May 2025
Recognizing tea’s long history and cultural and economic significance around the world, as well as its important contribution to rural development, poverty reduction, and food security in low-income countries, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 May as International Tea Day and designated FAO to lead its observance.
Tea production and processing represent a main source of livelihoods for millions of families, supporting more than 13 million people globally – including smallholder farmers and their households – who rely on the tea sector for income and employment. With a history spanning more than 5,000 years, its contribution to health, culture, and socio-economic development remains as relevant today as ever.
International Tea Day offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the cultural heritage, health benefits and economic importance of tea, while also promoting sustainable practices “from field to cup.” It encourages action at global, regional and national levels to ensure the tea sector continues to support poverty reduction, combat hunger, and protect natural resources.
FAO will commemorate the occasion by raising awareness of these issues and supporting global outreach efforts. FAO experts are available for interviews on topics related to global tea markets and trade, sustainable tea production, climate resilience, and rural development.
For more information, visit the FAO International Tea Day page.
International Day for Biological Diversity – 22 May 2025
Biodiversity is the foundation of agrifood systems. It enables the production of diverse and nutritious foods, supports ecosystem services, and strengthens resilience to climate change and shocks. Yet biodiversity is under threat at an alarming rate.
FAO will mark the International Day for Biological Diversity by sharing key messages, multimedia content, and recent knowledge products developed by its biodiversity team.
Key resources and initiatives include:
A web story on biodiversity-related projects in Uganda, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Madagascar;
The FAO Biodiversity homepage
A video message by the FAO Director-General QU Dongyu;
FAO’s engagement across these three international observances reflects its commitment to promoting sustainable agrifood systems that protect natural resources, support livelihoods and ensure food security for all.
RESOURCES
World Bee Day webpage
International Tea Day webpage
FAO Biodiversity webpage
WEBCAST
Follow the hybrid high-level event in Jimma, Ethiopia live here.
FOLLOW ON SOCIAL MEDIA
@FAO
#WorldBeeDay #InternationalTeaDay #TeaDay #BiodiversityDay #ForNature
FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES
For interview requests or additional information, please contact:
FAO News and Media
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