General Assembly President's Message

Throughout the 74th session of the General Assembly we have focused on poverty eradication and zero hunger. On World Bee Day we acknowledge the role of the bee in food security and biodiversity.

Although diminutive, bees underpin our food systems: close to three-quarters of the world’s crops depend, at least in part, on bees and other pollinators. In economic terms, natural pollinators contribute up to $577 billion to the global economy.

However, colonies have been collapsing due to disturbances in their habitats as a result of intensive agricultural practices, changes in land use, urbanization, and the use of pesticides which are harmful to pollinators. Furthermore, bees face the threat of climate change-induced extreme weather events.

In this first year of the Decade of Action and Delivery to implement the Sustainable Development Goals, we are focusing our efforts on nature-based solutions. If we are to make progress on the SDGs, we must prioritise the preservation of bees and other pollinators.

On World Bee Day I call on all Member States to pursue agricultural policies which protect bees and promote green spaces in urban areas which allow for pollination. Furthermore, I urge farmers everywhere to protect bee habitats by adopting pollinator-friendly practices in agricultural management. I commend all beekeepers, and trust that they will share their expertise to create a better world.

I am confident that by working together to save the bees we will succeed in ending hunger and eradicating poverty for everyone, everywhere.