On the 21st of May each year, people around the world celebrate the United Nations International Tea Day. This day has been created as part of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and is led by

the Food Agricultural Organization (FAO).

 

In September 2015 the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York, passed a resolution named “Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”. This formed a set of goals and targets to reduce and eradicate global poverty in all its forms by 2030. It was described as “the greatest global challenge” and was to be achieved through sustainable development using economic, social, and environmental dimensions to create that development.

 

On Thursday 19th December 2019 as part of this resolution. The UN General Assembly recognised the importance of tea as part of this development, through Resolution 74/241 International Tea Day

with the 21st May each year being the designated day.

Resolution 74/241 presented to the UN General Assembly recognised, noted, and affirmed the following:

• The urgent need to raise public awareness of the importance of tea for rural development and sustainable livelihoods and to improve the tea value chain to contribute to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

• That tea production and processing constitute a main source of livelihoods for millions of families in developing countries.

• That tea constitutes the main means of subsistence for millions of poor families who live in a number of least developed countries.

• That tea production and processing contribute to the fight against hunger, the reduction of extreme poverty, the empowerment of women and the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

• That the tea industry is a main source of income and export revenues for some of the poorest countries and, as a labour-intensive sector, provides jobs, especially in remote and economically disadvantaged areas.

• That tea can play a significant role in rural development, poverty reduction and food security in developing countries, being one of the most important cash crops.

• That tea consumption can bring health benefits and wellness and also noting the important role of tea education and its cultural significance.

 

On Thursday 21st May 2020 – the first International Tea Day. Australia was dealing with the serious aftermath of exceptionally devastating bushfires from the summer months and the emerging implications of a global pandemic. The last thing on anyone’s mind was an International Tea Day.

 

Since 2021, the Australian Tea Cultural Society (AUSTCS), has aimed to create a whole Australia approach to this International Day. It seeks to inform and encourage all Australians to consider participating in a ‘Tea Party’. An activity which can be participated in by all, from our youngest to our oldest Australian’s, from our newest migrant arrival to all members of our First Nations People. A tea party could be conducted in a workplace, in a park, at a kindergarten or school, in a Uni or at an aged care facility, in our homes or even around a campfire in the evening.

It does not matter where in Australia you live, or how much you have to spend on your tea party. The simple act of sharing time with others at an Aussie tea party recognising International Tea Day, has so many benefits for each and everyone involved. From bush to the cup, everyone wins!

 

This year lets show the World that no one does a Tea Party quite like Australians!

 

For further information on the UN’s “Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” and International Tea Day.

 

This International Tea Day share your tea party images on social media and let all your friends know how much fun a tea party can be. We ask if you would consider including hashtags #austcs and #austcsitd.