Monsieur Emmanuel MACRON
Président de la République française
Mr Emmanuel MACRON
President of the French Republic
International Tea Symposium
Living Heritage & Intercultural Dialogue
May 19-20-21, 2026 | Saint-Joseph, Reunion Island
Guest of Honor: Republic of Korea
An International Day Rooted in Global Recognition.
International Tea Day, celebrated each year on May 21, originated from an initiative within the United Nations aimed at recognizing the fundamental role of tea in rural economies, cultural exchange, food security, and social dynamics worldwide.
Officially adopted in 2019 by the United Nations General Assembly, this observance has progressively gained strengthened cultural and heritage significance.
In this continuity, UNESCO has engaged in the recognition of tea as a total cultural phenomenon, situated at the crossroads of agricultural knowledge, social practices, artistic expressions, science, and education. Tea is thus understood as a living heritage, carrying memories, gestures, and cultural landscapes across generations.
2026 A Founding First Edition Under the Sign of Living Heritage and Intercultural Dialogue
In continuity with the initiatives and momentum generated by International Tea Day, this event stands as a concrete extension of these efforts and, as such, benefits from the engagement and support of UNESCO – UNESCO Community Association, in alignment with its missions to safeguard intangible cultural heritage, transmit knowledge, and promote intercultural dialogue.
The International Tea Symposium is organized under the High Patronage of the Presidency of the French Republic, reflecting the importance attributed to cultural, scientific, and educational diplomacy surrounding tea, as well as to the international recognition and enhancement of heritage and knowledge systems.