International Tea Day 2025; May 21st.

FORUM: “Tea for Better Lives.” International Tea Day 2025. The origins of tea stretch back more than 5 000 years, but its contributions to health, culture and socioeconomic development are still as relevant today. Tea is currently grown in very localized areas, and supports over 13 million people, including smallholder farmers and their households, who depend on the tea sector for their livelihoods.The observance aims to raise awareness of the key role, the sector plays in reducing extreme poverty (SDG1), fighting hunger (SDG2), empowering women (SDG5), supporting the sustainable use of the terrestrial ecosystem (SDG15), and in contributing to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #InternationalTeaDay; #tea, #21May, #tealovers, #teaconsumers, #teadrinkers, #Farmedwithcare.

EVENTS: On Wednesday, 21 May 2025 from 9.30 to 16.00 (CEST); Join us virtually to mark the World Bee Day and International Tea Day at FAO headquarters (Atrium). Under the theme ‘‘Tea for Better Lives.’’; The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has the pleasure to inform Members that the celebration of the International Tea Day 2025 will be held through a joint observance with World Bee Day, which is officially celebrated on Tuesday, 20 May. The event will be inaugurated by the FAO Director-General, Mr QU Dongyu, and will highlight tea’s significant contributions to livelihoods, sustainability, and well-being. The inauguration will be followed by an exclusive tea tasting experience,. as well as a special edition of Markets and Trade Talks—a series of short, speaker’s corner-style sessions where participants will share insights about their tea heritage, culture, and tradition. Watch the livestream Part I and Part II!

On May 21st, 2025 from 3.30 to 5pm EST, hosted by the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations and Tea Board of India will held a high-level event entitled “Tea for Livelihoods, Tea for SDGs” ‘in the Conference Room 08, at the UNHQ, This event will highlight how the global tea industry supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting economic and livelihood opportunities, fostering sustainable agriculture, and ensuring environmental sustainability. The event will bring together relevant stakeholders of this sector for discussions aimed at : Highlighting the role of the tea industry in eradicating poverty (SDG 1) and ensuring decent work and economic growth (SDG 8) by providing employment and income to millions, especially women and small-scale farmers. Promoting sustainable agricultural practices contributing to zero hunger (SDG 2) and responsible consumption and production (SDG 12). Showcasing the tea sector’s role in climate action (SDG 13) through sustainable farming practices that mitigate environmental impact. Emphasizing gender inclusivity and empowerment in tea-producing regions, advancing gender equality (SDG 5). Strengthening global partnerships (SDG 17) to promote fair trade and sustainable tea production. Panel discussions will be followed by a curated Tea tasting Experience. Read the concept note and Watch the livestream!

LIVESTREAM: Commemoration of International Tea Day 2025 at UNHQ.

EXHIBITS: An exhibition will be held in the Atrium, accompanied by tasting events for tea and coffee.

INITIATIVES: Tea cultivation is attractive to smallholders in many low-income countries because it creates jobs and income throughout the year and requires relatively little investment. They are responsible for 60% of global tea production. Learn about the FAO´s Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) programme. For further informations, send a email to International-Tea-Day@fao.org.