Third International Forum for Action on Sustainable Beekeeping and Pollination

FAO and the Republic of Slovenia are jointly organizing the Third International Forum for Action on Sustainable Beekeeping and Pollination with the theme “Science, innovation and policy actions for a more sustainable future”, to be held in Maribor, Slovenia, from 20 to 21 May 2026.

Bees and other pollinators are essential to food security, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem resilience and sustainable livelihoods. At a time when pollinators face increasing pressures from land use change, the indiscriminate use of agrochemicals, climate change and other environmental challenges, coordinated scientific, policy and practical responses are urgently needed.

Building on the outcomes of the previous forums, the Forum in 2026 will provide a platform for dialogue among policymakers, researchers, beekeepers, farmers’ organizations, civil society and private sector representatives. Discussions will focus on strengthening the science–policy interface, scaling up pollinator-friendly agricultural approaches, enhancing international cooperation and addressing emerging challenges in honey quality and trade.

The Forum will also mark the celebration of World Bee Day 2026 and include the Golden Bee Award Ceremony. The Forum will be held in English and will be webcast.

Key themes

The Forum will focus on four areas:

• Linking science, agriculture and biodiversity
• Towards a Global Pollinator Platform
• Scaling crop production practices that protect pollinators
• Honey quality and trade: Challenges on the rise

Major outcomes

• Key priorities and policy actions to support advancing sustainable beekeeping and effective pollinator conservation.
• Feedback and input towards the establishment of a Global Pollinator Platform.
• Foster stronger synergies and partnerships among stakeholders to accelerate the conservation and sustainable use of pollinators.
• Promote the adoption of tools, methods, practices and approaches in sustainable beekeeping and pollinator conservation.