Director-General's remarks for International Tea Day 2026

International Tea Day

Friday, 29 May 2026, at 2.00 p.m.
H Building, Palais des Nations

Delivered on behalf of the Director-General by Ms. Tatiana Molcean, 
Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)

Ambassador Dassnayake [Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the UN]
Ambassador Wijesekara [Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the WTO]
Mr. Burgeon [Director, FAO Liaison Office in Geneva]
Excellencies,  
Ladies and gentlemen,
Dear friends,

On behalf of Ms. Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, who regrets that she is unable to join us today, it is my great honour to be with you for the celebration of International Tea Day 2026.

I would like to start by expressing our sincere appreciation to the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka, as well as the Food and Agriculture Organization, and all their partners — including the International Tea Committee and the UK Tea Academy — for their efforts in organizing today’s event.

This year’s theme — “Sustaining Tea, Supporting Communities” — reminds us that tea is not merely a product of global consumption, but a vital source of income for millions of people around the world.

Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2019, International Tea Day recognizes the important role that tea and tea-producing communities play in supporting livelihoods and rural development while contributing to the broader objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Behind every cup of tea are communities whose knowledge, traditions and daily work have shaped this sector across generations. Tea continues to sustain families and local economies, particularly in rural areas where alternative opportunities may be limited.

Across cultures and continents, tea is also a symbol of hospitality, dialogue and human connection. It brings people together and fosters understanding across generations.

At the same time, tea-producing communities face growing challenges — from the impacts of climate change to market volatility and economic uncertainty. Sustaining the tea sector also means strengthening resilience and helping communities to adapt and thrive in the face of change.

It is also important to recognize the contribution of women across the tea value chain, whose work and leadership are central to sustaining societies, preserving traditions, and ensuring the sector’s long-term viability.

As the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reminded us, “Sustainable food systems can advance all 17 Sustainable Development Goals.” Tea is part of this global transformation. From the smallholder farmers who cultivate each leaf to the communities whose livelihoods depend on fair and resilient agricultural systems, tea production embodies the connection between people, planet, and prosperity. On International Tea Day, we recognize that sustainable tea value chains — rooted in climate smart farming, decent work, and equitable trade — can help drive progress across the SDGs.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Here in Geneva, today’s event brings together Member States, international organizations and other stakeholders to reflect on the important contributions of the tea sector and the people behind it.

As we mark International Tea Day, I hope today’s exchanges will deepen our appreciation not only of tea itself, but also of the communities, traditions and shared efforts that sustain it.

Thank you.