Benefits of tea celebrated at UN event

A Chinese envoy to the United Nations said that tea is a driving force for economic and social development, as it helps eliminate poverty, improve health and living standards, promote urban and rural development and enhance women's empowerment.

"Tea is a vivid embodiment of the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. Tea fields not only bring the joy of harvest to tea farmers but also form a sustainable ecological cycle by sequestering carbon, producing oxygen and conserving water and soil, perfectly interpreting the sustainable development concept of 'lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets'," said Dai Bing, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN.

He gave the speech at the International Tea Day event on Tuesday, organized by China's Mission to the UN and the Xinyang government of Henan province, at the UN headquarters in New York.

Since 2005, tea-producing countries, including China, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, Uganda and others, have been celebrating the International Tea Day. The UN General Assembly designated May 21 as International Tea Day in 2019.

"Tea is a messenger that promotes exchanges between civilizations among various countries. For thousands of years, tea has traveled along the Silk Road and sea lanes to households in different countries, creating cultural connections," said Dai.

"We hope that everyone can feel the charm of tea and share the story of tea through tea appreciation and tea tasting, so that tea can become a link to enhance communication and friendship, help implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and jointly draw a beautiful picture of a community with a shared future for mankind," he said.

Ancient link

Sri Lanka, famous for its Ceylon tea, has a history of 300 years of tea drinking, said Mohan Pieris, Sri Lanka's permanent representative to the UN. He said the tea history goes much further back in China, when Shennong, a central figure in Chinese mythology, accidentally discovered tea when leaves from a tree blew into his boiling water.

International Tea Day aims to "raise awareness about the impact of tea on workers and growers", and "promote fair trade and sustainable practices within the industry", said Pieris, noting that tea has a long history and significant cultural and economic importance worldwide.

Sharing a cup of tea encourages egalitarianism, cultural exchange and mutual learning. Tea drinking can be an educational experience where participants learn about different traditions and rituals.

Tea gatherings offer a setting conducive to resolving conflicts and strengthening community bonds, contributing to a shared sense of identity, Pieris said.

"You see in Chinese culture, in the spring, the jasmine tea is the best. In summer, we drink green tea. In autumn and winter, we drink black tea," Dai told UN employees at the event.

Ernest Rwamucyo, Rwanda's permanent representative to the UN, described the tea-drinking experience as "fabulous".