World Bee Day

FAO and the Republic of Slovenia are jointly organizing the Third International Forum for Action on Sustainable Beekeeping and Pollination with the theme “Science, innovation and policy actions for a more sustainable future”, to be held in Maribor, Slovenia, from 20 to 21 May 2026. Bees and other pollinators are essential to food security, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem resilience and sustainable livelihoods. At a time when pollinators face increasing pressures from land use change, the indiscriminate use of agrochemicals, climate change and other environmental challenges, coordinated scientific, policy and practical responses are urgently needed. Building on the outcomes of the previous forums, the Forum in 2026 will provide a platform for dialogue among policymakers, researchers, beekeepers, farmers’ organizations, civil society and private sector representatives. Discussions will focus on strengthening the science–policy interface, scaling up pollinator-friendly agricultural a...

Under the theme “Science, innovation and policy actions for a more sustainable future”, the Third International Forum for Action on Sustainable Beekeeping and Pollination will provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss actions to strengthen the science–policy interface, scale up pollinator-friendly agricultural approaches, enhance international cooperation and address emerging challenges in honey quality and trade. The Forum is jointly organized by FAO and the Republic of Slovenia and will be held in Maribor, Slovenia, from 20 to 21 May 2026.  On 20 May 2026, starting at 13:00 (Rome time) Virtual Meeting on Science, Innovation and Policy actions for a more sustainable future. Watch the Third International Forum for Action on Sustainable Beekeeping and Pollination–Day1 - Afternoon session!

T hey give us food, products like honey and beeswax, and support millions of farmers and rural communities. Healthy bee populations also help ecosystems recover and adapt to climate change. This #WorldBeeDay , learn why bees matter for people?

On 20 May 2026, starting at 09:20 (Rome time) Virtual Meeting on Science, Innovation and Policy actions for a more sustainable future.  Watch the Third International Forum for Action on Sustainable Beekeeping and Pollination–Day 1- Morning session!

Bees are vanishing, and our food supply is at risk. But scientists at Oxford might have found a game-changing solution—a superfood that boosts bee survival like never before.  Dive into the carousel and discover the future of saving our essential pollinators! Curious how it works and why it’s a breakthrough? SuperfoodForBees - TEDTalks & TEDxGateway 

Bees and other pollinators are essential to food production, food security, and the economy, while also supporting human and ecosystem health. Their vital contributions span all three dimensions of sustainable development—economic, social, and environmental—enhancing both quality of life and long-term ecosystem health. Approximately 75 percent of the world’s top crop types producing fruits and seeds for human use depend at least partially on pollinators. Without pollinators, 5 to 8 percent of current global crop production would be lost, representing an annual market value of USD 235–577 billion. Despite the acknowledgement of their importance, many pollinator species worldwide are declining and at risk of extinction due to various pressures. Social bees and beekeeping support the livelihoods of small and large-scale beekeepers, rural communities and Indigenous Peoples, contributing to honey production, food production, cultural heritage, and inspiration, ultimately fostering sustainab...