First UN International Coffee Day celebrates the people behind every cup

FAO and partners highlight coffee’s role in supporting livelihoods, sustainable agrifood systems and trade, while celebrating its cultural significance and recognizing the essential role of women

FAO celebrates International Coffee Day, highlighting the importance of coffee and coffee farmers, and how coffee shapes societies.

Rome – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) marked the inaugural observance of International Coffee Day, recognizing the economic, social and cultural significance of coffee, one of the world’s most widely consumed beverages and most globally traded agricultural commodities.

Under the theme “Celebrating Coffee, Honouring the People Behind Every Cup”, Members, partners, delegates and guests gathered at FAO Headquarters to explore coffee’s journey from seed to cup through exhibitions, showcases, educational activities and interactive experiences, while highlighting its role in shaping contemporary societies.

At the opening ceremony, FAO Director-General QU Dongyu emphasized that “International Coffee Day is about celebrating more than just a drink, it is about the human diversity that connects us.”

Recognizing “the millions of people around whose livelihoods and lives depend on coffee”, the Director-General noted that “building a more resilient coffee sector requires investment in sustainable and climate-smart production systems, better access to innovation and technology, as well as greater opportunities especially for smallholder farmers.” He stressed that achieving this requires strong partnerships, reaffirming FAO’s longstanding partnership with the International Coffee Organization and their deepened cooperation in support of the coffee sector and the people who depend on it.

Statements by high-level representatives from Brazil, Ethiopia, Indonesia and Italy reflected on their countries’ coffee sectors, traditions and contributions.