World Bee Day 2024

About

For centuries bees, among the hardest working creatures on the planet, have benefited people, plants and the environment. By carrying pollen from one flower to another, bees and other pollinators enable not only the production of an abundance of fruits, nuts and seeds, but also more variety and better quality, contributing to food security and nutrition.  To raise awareness of the importance of pollinators, the threats they face and their contribution to sustainable development, the United Nations designated 20 May as World Bee Day.

The goal is to strengthen measures aimed at protecting bees and other pollinators, which would significantly contribute to solving problems related to the global food supply and eliminate hunger in developing countries. We all depend on pollinators and it is, therefore, crucial to monitor their decline and halt the loss of biodiversity.

Giant representation of a bee in the Slovenia Pavilion at the Dubai World Expo 2020

This United Nations celebration raises awareness of the essential role bees and other pollinators play in keeping people and the planet healthy, and on the many challenges they face today. FAO has been celebrating this day since 2018, thanks to the efforts of the Government of Slovenia with the support of the International Federation of Beekeepers’ Associations Apimondia, that led the UN General Assembly to declare 20 May as World Bee Day.

The date for this observance was chosen as it was the day Anton Janša (1734–1773), a pioneer of modern apiculture, was born. Janša came from a family of beekeepers in Slovenia, where beekeeping is an important agricultural activity with a long-standing tradition. The Austrian Empress Maria Theresa appointed him to the post of permanent teacher of apiculture at the new School of Beekeeping in Vienna. He became well known even before his death. After 1775, all state beekeeping teachers had to teach the subject in accordance with his teachings and methods.

Today bees, pollinators, and many other insects are declining in abundance. This day provides an opportunity for all of us – whether we work for governments, organizations or civil society or are concerned citizens – to promote actions that will protect and enhance pollinators and their habitats, improve their abundance and diversity, and support the sustainable development of beekeeping.

2024 Theme | Bee engaged with Youth

In recognition of the pivotal role that youth can play in addressing challenges bees and other pollinators are facing, World Bee Day 2024 focuses on the theme “Bee engaged with Youth.” This theme highlights the importance of involving young people in beekeeping and pollinator conservation efforts, recognizing them as the future stewards of our environment.

This year’s campaign aims to raise awareness among youth and other stakeholders about the essential role of bees and other pollinators in agriculture, ecological balance, and biodiversity preservation. By engaging young people in beekeeping activities, educational initiatives, and advocacy efforts, we can inspire a new generation of environmental leaders and empower them to make a positive impact on the world.

Fostering more diverse agricultural systems and reducing reliance on toxic chemicals can facilitate increased pollination. This approach can improve food quality and quantity, benefiting both human populations and the ecosystem.

The Role of Geneva

Various international and local organizations in Geneva are engaged in the protection and conservation of our biological diversity, including pollinators.

Events

World Bee Day 2024 celebration event in Geneva on the theme: Bee Engaged with Youth

FAO, Slovenia, Switzerland, UN Geneva | 21 May 2024, 10:00–11:30 CEST | Palais des Nations, Building H, Lobby

International forum for action on sustainable beekeeping and pollination

FAO, Slovenia, | 22 – 23 May 2024 | Ljubljana, Slovenia