World Bee Day: Bees for Resilience

Excellencies,

Distinguished delegates,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Good afternoon and welcome to the World Bee Day 2024 event, on the theme "Bees for Resilience."

It is an honor to be gathered here today alongside esteemed colleagues, advocates, friends and colleagues who share our dedication to the preservation of bees and our appreciation for their vital role in our ecosystems.

It is crucial to understand the challenges facing bees and beekeeping worldwide. Bees face numerous threats, including habitat loss, climate change, pesticide use and disease.

These challenges not only endanger bee populations but also pose significant risks to global food security, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability.

At the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), we are deeply concerned about the plight of bees and are committed to taking action.

Why? Because bees are not only diligent workers producing honey and hive products; they are also essential pollinators, crucial for the reproduction of three-quarters of the world's food crops.

Without bees and other pollinators, our agrifood systems would falter, and our food security would be compromised.

FAO is approaching the problem from various angles.

First, we are advocating for our small heroes. Whether it's promoting integrated pest management practices, advocating for the reduction of pesticide use, calling for policies that prioritize their conservation, promoting sustainable agricultural practices or supporting the establishment of pollinator-friendly habitats, FAO is leading efforts to create a more sustainable and bee-friendly world.

Second, we are sharing knowledge. Through research, advocacy, and capacity-building initiatives, FAO is tirelessly working to protect bee populations and promote sustainable beekeeping practices worldwide. From providing technical assistance to beekeepers to advocating for policies that prioritize pollinator conservation, our efforts are aimed at ensuring a future where bees thrive alongside humanity.

Third, we are empowering stakeholders. FAO is committed to ensuring that stakeholders have the tools, solutions, and policy recommendations needed to address the complex challenges facing bees and beekeeping.

And fourth, we are fostering partnerships. We know we cannot achieve our goals alone. We need the collective action and commitment of individuals, communities, governments, and organizations worldwide.

This year for example, FAO and the Government of Slovenia will organize the first-ever International Forum for Action on Sustainable Beekeeping and Pollination in Ljubljana Slovenia, on 22-23 May 2024. This is just one example of how we are taking local action for greater global impact.

Ladies and gentlemen,

On this World Bee Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to action.

Let us come together, united in our determination to protect and preserve bees and pollinators for generations to come.

Let us advocate for policies that prioritize their conservation, support sustainable agricultural practices, and foster a deeper appreciation for the invaluable role bees play in our lives.

And let us work together to ensure a future where bees thrive, and our ecosystems flourish.

In closing, I invite each of you to join us in our mission. Together, let us be champions for bees, defenders of biodiversity, and stewards of our planet's future.

Thank you.