World Bee Day 2026; May 20th.

FORUM: "Bee together for people and the planet: A partnership that sustains us all." World Bee Day 2026. For millennia, bees and people have shared a close and evolving connection, shaped by the ways communities across the world have relied on bees for food and livelihoods, with bees often becoming part of their cultural identity. From honey hunting to a large variety of beekeeping systems, this relationship has continually adapted to different environments, technologies, and socio-cultural needs. The observance of the World Bee Day 2026 focuses on how humans and bees have been working together to nourish and sustain people and the environment. It will highlight the evolution of beekeeping across diverse cultures and landscapes over thousands of years, while promoting innovative approaches that improve bee production and health, and support the livelihoods of beekeepers, including women and youth. It will also emphasize how both traditional knowledge and modern technologies can contribute to sustainable beekeeping, and how partnerships and inclusive approaches can help secure a sustainable future for both pollinators and people, while advancing the transformation of agrifood systems. This theme aligns closely with the International Year of Rangeland and Pastoralists 2026 and the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026, offering valuable opportunities to reflect on the role of beekeeping in rural and pastoral livelihoods and its contribution to women’s empowerment. Follow the conversations with the hashtags; #SustainableBeekeeping, #Pollination, #savethebees, #worldbeeday, #beekeepers, #20May.

 EVENTS: On May 20th, the Celebration of the World Bee Day 2026 at FAO HQ will be held.

By observing World Bee Day each year, we can raise awareness on the essential role bees and other pollinators play in keeping people and the planet healthy, and on the many challenges they face today. 
The date for this observance was chosen as it was the day Anton Janša, a pioneer of modern apiculture, was born. Janša came from a family of beekeepers in Slovenia, where beekeeping is an important agricultural activity with a long-standing tradition. Today bees, pollinators, and many other insects are declining in abundance. This day provides an opportunity for all of us – whether we work for governments, organizations or civil society or are concerned citizens – to promote actions that will protect and enhance pollinators and their habitats, improve their abundance and diversity, and support the sustainable development of beekeeping. Register to participate!

From 20 to 21 May | Maribor, Slovenia - Third International Forum for Action on Sustainable Beekeeping and Pollination.

 On May 27th | 11:30-13:00 | Geneva, Switzerland.  World Bee Day 2026: Bee Together for People and the Planet.

18 May | Rome, Italy on  Apilogo - art installation dedicated to wild bees and their conservation


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Events: Hundreds of activities and events are being organized worldwide to promote the World Bee Day. Feature your event on the interactive map.

Watch: Look and share the #WorldBeeDay video on social media and among your networks.

PUBLICATION: Explore the Bee together for people and the planet - Get involved guide!

Visual identity: Bees are essential for pollination, biodiversity, and a sustainable future. Let’s come together to: Preserve Biodiversity, Protect Bees and Promote Sustainability.

Social Media Trello board: Inform, educate and engage audiences with real facts. Join the campaign by sharing our free material on digital channels.

STORIES: Building climate resilience through people, pollinators and ecosystems: On World Bee Day, the Food Security and Agriculture: Accelerating Adaptation (SAGA 2) project has a story to tell!

LIVESTREAM: Celebration held by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) at the SMVEC. In honoring the tiny pollinators that make a huge impact on our planet, this special celebration  organized by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), the Ministry of MSME, and the Government of India, in collaboration with leading academic and innovation institutions. The Expert talks on beekeeping & biodiversity; Awareness on sustainable ecosystems following by Live sessions with researchers, innovators & entrepreneurs on the Importance of honey bees in agriculture and food security.