Inauguration of the World Bee Day Exhibition Food and Agriculture Museum and Network Opening Remarks

Excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen,

I am so pleased to open this World Bee Day 2026 exhibit here in the Food and Agriculture Museum.

This exhibit brings together history, culture, knowledge, and innovation by showcasing historical objects and forward‑looking solutions that demonstrate the relationship between people and pollinators.

It reflects this year’s theme highlighting the fruitful co-existence between bees, people, and the planet.

For millennia, bees and people have co‑existed and co‑evolved. Across regions and generations, beekeeping has adapted to different landscapes, cultures, and socio‑economic contexts, while supporting food security, livelihoods, and biodiversity.

This year’s theme also aligns closely with the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, and the International Year of the Woman Farmer, by recognizing the contribution of sustainable beekeeping to rural and pastoral livelihoods, and its role in women’s empowerment.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I wish to thank the Government of Slovenia for its leadership and continued collaboration in promoting sustainable beekeeping and pollination, as well as for generously providing art pieces for this display - enriching the FAO Museum with items that connect beekeeping to livelihoods and food security, as well as to culture, creativity and identity.

We open this exhibition in parallel with the 3rd International Forum for Action on Sustainable Beekeeping and Pollination, jointly organized by FAO and the Republic of Slovenia, taking place today and tomorrow in Slovenia – I was pleased to greet the participants virtually earlier today.

The Forum brings together a wide range of partners under the shared objective of advancing science‑based, innovative and policy‑relevant actions for a more sustainable future for all.

Dear Colleagues,

Protecting bees and other pollinators is essential to achieving the Four Betters, and FAO is committed to continue supporting the global community for coordinated action through the Global Pollinator Platform.

I am sure that this exhibition will inspire us all to work together to adopt pollinator‑friendly practices that sustain both bees, people, and the planet.

Thank you.