Director-General's remarks at International Tea Day 2025

   International Tea Day 
Wednesday, 21 May 2025, at 1.00 p.m.
H Building, Palais des Nations
 

Ambassador Arunatilaka [Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka],
Mr. Burgeon [Director of FAO Liaison Office in Geneva], 
Excellencies,  
Ladies and gentlemen: 

It is my great pleasure to welcome you all today at the Palais des Nations for the celebration of International Tea Day.

I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka and to the Geneva Liaison Office of the Food and Agricultural Organization for their joint efforts in organizing this first-ever commemoration of International Tea Day in Geneva.

Tea is more than a drink — it is a tradition, a gesture of hospitality, and a symbol of conviviality that brings people together across cultures and generations.

Nowadays, tea is cultivated in more than 50 countries worldwide, with China, India, Kenya, and Sri Lanka leading global production. Interestingly, China is home to the oldest known tea tree - an astonishing 3,200 years old. This remarkable longevity is a testament to tea’s deep-rooted history and enduring significance through the ages.

Since its unanimous proclamation by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2019, this Day has provided an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable impact of tea — not only as a cherished ritual, but also as a powerful agent for sustainable development.

More specifically, resolution 74/241 recognized International Tea Day as a vehicle to foster and promote collective actions in support of the sustainable production and consumption of tea, while raising awareness of its role in fighting hunger and poverty, advancing gender equality, and fostering economic development.

Tea cultivation and production are vital sources of livelihood, empowerment, and environmental stewardship. The industry provides hundreds of thousands of jobs, sustains rural economies, and supports communities in their pursuit of prosperity.

In addition, tea production is our great ally in realizing the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. When managed responsibly, tea plantations preserve biodiversity, mitigate the effects of climate change, and promote eco-friendly agricultural practices – all of which are essential to safeguarding our planet for generations to come.

Moreover, tea plays a crucial role in advancing the commitments outlined in the Pact for the Future, by reinforcing sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing economic resilience, and ensuring that rural communities thrive in harmony with nature.

Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,

On this Day, let us recognize the farmers, workers, and artisans whose dedication sustain this global industry. Most importantly, let us commit to collective action, ensuring that tea continues to be a force for economic resilience, social empowerment, and environmental sustainability.

Together, let us strengthen our partnerships, build bridges across borders, and advance multilateral cooperation to secure a sustainable future for all.

Thank you for your attention.