Photo: Jošt Gantar, www.slovenia.info

The resolution declaring 20 May as World Bee Day is expected to be adopted at the plenary session of the United Nations General Assembly on 20 December.

On 17 November, the resolution was unanimously adopted at the Economic and Financial Committee (Second Committee) of the United Nations General Assembly, with co-sponsorship of 115 countries, including the USA, Canada, China, Russian Federation, India, Brazil, Argentina, Australia, as well as all Member States of the European Union.
Bees and other pollinators are extremely important when it comes to ensuring the global safety of the food supply chain. Every third spoonful of food depends on pollination. By pollinating crops, they also provide a significant source of jobs and income for farmers, which is particularly important for developing countries. An international study of IPBES estimates that the annual global food production which depends on pollination is worth between USD 235 and 577 billion. In addition, bees also have an important role in nature conservation. Studies of UN Agencies and the International Union for Conservation of Nature show that bee populations and the populations of other pollinators have significantly decreased, making them more and more endangered.
Therefore, the Republic of Slovenia, on the initiative of the Slovenian Beekeepers’ Association, initiated procedures in the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 2015 to declare World Bee Day, and proposed a resolution which would emphasise the importance of bees and other pollinators.
On the occasion of the adoption of the abovementioned resolution, Slovenia organises an exhibition and interactive pavilion The World of Bees that runs from 11 to 22 December 2017, at the United Nations Headquarters (Delegates' entrance). Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Mr Dejan Židan, who will attend the General Assembly will host a reception for diplomats, media and other stakeholders.

More information is available here.