On 21 May 2023, the UN Postal Administration issues a sheet of ten stamps in the denomination of CHF 1,10 to celebrate International Tea Day. The stamps feature various teas, teapots and tea ceremonies from around the world. The stamps’ tabs bear the UN emblem.
International Tea Day is observed annually on May 21, to raise awareness of the long history and the deep cultural and economic significance of tea around the world. The goal of the day, which was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2019, is to encourage collective actions to implement activities in favor of the sustainable production and consumption of tea, while raising awareness of its importance in fighting hunger and poverty.
Tea is the world’s most consumed drink, after water. It has been with us for a long time and there is evidence that tea may have been consumed in China up to 5,000 years ago. Tea consumption can bring health benefits and wellness due to the beverage’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and weight loss effects. It also has cultural and economic significances in many societies.
Tea production and processing relates to the UN Sustainable Development Goals as it contributes to the reduction of extreme poverty (Goal 1); the fight against hunger (Goal 2), the empowerment of women (Goal 5) ;and the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems (Goal 15).
