19 May | International Tea Day celebration from New York

'A Magic Leaf: Tea for Green Development'
Observance of the International Tea Day 2023 from New York

Co-organized by the Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations
and the FAO Liaison Office with the United Nations in New York

Friday, 19 May 2023 | 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM (EDT)
UNHQ | Conference Room 6 and online

FAO Chief Economist, Máximo Torero Cullen, to deliver a video message

Agenda | Register | Live webcast | More on International Tea Day

Reception and Exhibition to follow
'Tea for Harmony Yaji Cultural Salon'
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM (EDT)
UNHQ | South Wall

WHY AN INTERNATIONAL TEA DAY?

The origins of tea stretch back more than 5 000 years, but its contributions to health, culture and socioeconomic development are still as relevant today. Tea is currently grown in very localized areas, and supports over 13 million people, including smallholder farmers and their households, who depend on the tea sector for their livelihoods.

International Tea Day is an opportunity to celebrate the cultural heritage, health benefits and economic importance of tea, while working to make its production sustainable “from field to cup” ensuring its benefits for people, cultures and the environment continue for generations.

Recognizing the long history and the cultural and economic significance of tea around the world, as well as the significant role it plays in rural development, poverty reduction and food security in developing countries, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 May as International Tea Day, calling on FAO to lead the observance. 

Tea production and processing are a main source of livelihoods for millions of families. The celebration promotes the sustainable production, consumption, and trade of tea, and offers an opportunity for actors at global, regional and national levels to ensure that the tea sector continues to play a role in reducing extreme poverty, fighting hunger and safeguarding natural resources.

KEY MESSAGES FROM FAO FOR THE INTERNATIONAL DAY

• Tea production and processing represent a source of livelihoods for millions of families, including millions in the least developed countries.
• The tea sector is a multi-billion dollar industry that can support economies and contribute to sustainable food systems.
• Tea export earnings help to finance food import bills, supporting the economies of major tea-producing countries.
• The tea sector contributes to socio-economic development, representing a major source of employment and income for millions of poor families worldwide.
• Tea thrives in very specific agro-ecological conditions and environments, which are often impacted by climate change.
• Smallholder tea producers need our support to strengthen their business model and environment and overcome the challenges they face.
• In order to ensure benefits for both people and the environment, the tea value chain must be efficient and sustainable at all stages, from field to cup.