Event Conference
World Bee Day 2026 | Bee Together for People and the Planet
27 May 2026
11:30 – 13:00
Venue: Palais des Nations, Building H Auditorium
Organization: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Ethiopia, Mexico, Slovenia, Switzerland, United Nations Office at Geneva, Geneva Environment Network
To mark World Bee Day 2026, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), together with the Permanent Missions of Slovenia, Switzerland, Ethiopia and Mexico to the United Nations in Geneva, and the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), with the support of the World Food Forum (WFF) Global Youth Action Initiative and the Geneva Environment Network, organized a special in-person celebration.
About this Event
Under the global theme, “Bee Together for People and the Planet – A partnership that sustains us all,” the event highlighted the strong and enduring relationship between people and pollinators. The programme featured inspiring beekeeping stories, expert insights, and engaging demonstrations by local beekeepers, showcasing the important roles, skills, and contributions of bees.
A honey tasting and networking session followed the programme, offering participants an opportunity to connect with colleagues and partners from International Geneva.
Speakers
Tina HOČEVAR
Environmental counsellor, Permanent Mission of the Republic of Slovenia to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva
Sebastian CHAVEZ
Youth Affairs Specialist, FAO
Tatiana VALOVAYA
Director-General, United Nations Office at Geneva
H.E. Amb. Anita PIPAN
Permanent Representative of the Republic of Slovenia to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva
H.E. Amb. Julien THÖNI
Deputy Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the UN Office and other international organizations in Geneva
Dominique BURGEON
Director, FAO Liaison Office in Geneva
Cedric PERIAT
Director and Founder, Printemps des Abeilles
Highlights
Coverage
By FAO Geneva
Geneva – This year the World Bee Day observance took place at the Palais des Nations. The event was co-organized by FAO, the Permanent Mission of the Federal Democratic Republic Ethiopia, the Permanent Mission of Mexico, the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Slovenia, the Permanent Mission of Switzerland, together with the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), with support from the World Food Forum (WFF) Youth Initiative and the Geneva Environment Network.
The event highlighted the vital and enduring partnership between people and pollinators, and the essential role of bees in sustaining biodiversity, food security and the planet. The celebration brought together high-level diplomats, young leaders, students, community members and representatives of international organizations. This year’s celebration was especially meaningful, with the participation of more than 30 students from the Ecolint International School of Geneva and a strong focus on informative, educational exchanges with young minds.
Partnership between people and pollinators
The 2026 theme, “Bee Together for People and the Planet – A partnership that sustains us all,” focuses on how humans and bees have been working together to nourish and sustain people and the environment. Moreover, it highlights the evolution of beekeeping across diverse cultures and landscapes over thousands of years, while promoting innovative approaches that improve bee production and health, and support the livelihoods of beekeepers, including women and youth.
In his remarks, Dominique Burgeon, Director of the FAO Liaison Office in Geneva, linked the World Bee Day 2026 celebrations to the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026 and the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026:
“It is an opportunity to recognize how beekeeping supports rural and pastoral livelihoods, while creating pathways for women and young women to strengthen their skills, income, leadership, and resilience.”