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Ladies and gentlemen,

It is my great honour to join you in observing International Tea Day.  I thank the Permanent Mission of China for convening us today.  

Tea leaves have been an integral part of human life for thousands of years and, according to some estimates, today five billion cups will be consumed across the world, in every single continent. 

In these somewhat divisive times, tea connects us.  

The simple act of preparing a cup of tea can be an act of kindness, care and connection and a way of sharing culture and customs.  

Tea is the world¡¯s most consumed drink after water.  Its production, processing and procurement have numerous connections to our efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.  

Nowadays, global tea production has surpassed 18 billion US dollars annually, with tea trade valued at 9.8 billion US dollars, representing a significant source of export earnings for low-income and emerging economies.

The boom of tea and related drinking products and industries create jobs in cultivation, processing and export, impacting global supply chain.   It also empowers women and youth in poor families and rural communities worldwide, promoting social cohesion and integration.  

As part of the ecosystem on earth, tea trees play a vital role in strengthening soil and water conservation and protecting the environment.  At the same time, we will need to mitigate the potential impact of climate change on the tea industry, including the livelihoods of those dependent on the crop.  

Ladies and gentlemen,

Although I am not a big tea drinker, I am a great admirer of tea culture.  Today, the organizer has kindly offered a tea ceremony and a cultural performance.  I look forward to joining you in a feast for our eyes, ears, nose and the soul.