Recognizing the profound impact of tea on society, the United Nations designated May 21st as International Tea Day, shedding light on its historical significance, economic contributions, and potential for promoting sustainable development.
The journey towards establishing International Tea Day began with grassroots efforts in tea-producing countries like India, Sri Lanka, and Kenya. Since 2005, these nations had been commemorating December 15th as a day to celebrate tea’s cultural heritage and acknowledge its role in alleviating poverty and hunger. However, it was the collective advocacy of these countries, alongside the initiatives of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), that propelled the idea onto the global stage.
In 2015, during a pivotal meeting of the FAO Intergovernmental Group on Tea (IGG on Tea) in Milan, Italy, the notion of an International Tea Day gained momentum. Discussions within the IGG on Tea underscored the need to raise awareness about the challenges faced by tea workers and growers, while also emphasizing the potential of tea production to drive sustainable development. With the endorsement of the FAO Committee on Commodity Problems (CCP), the proposal for an International Tea Day gained significant traction.
Finally, in December 2019, the United Nations General Assembly officially adopted the resolution, designating May 21st as International Tea Day. This landmark decision was a testament to the collaborative efforts of tea-producing nations, international organizations, and advocacy groups to promote the sustainable production and consumption of tea.
