In the resolution, the "cultural, social, and historical significance of coffee is emphasized, from its origins to its important role in modern society, where it serves not only as a significant agricultural product and source of income for communities but also as a symbol of social interaction, cultural expression, and everyday traditions passed down from generation to generation."
"More than just a beverage"
The document highlights the contribution of coffee production and processing to achieving several Sustainable Development Goals:- combating hunger (SDG 2);
- reducing extreme poverty (SDG 1);
- empowering women (SDG 5);
- promoting decent work and economic growth (SDG 8).
Supporting Sustainable Development in Colombia
The resolution was submitted for consideration by the General Assembly after its approval at the 44th session of the FAO Conference in 2025. According to the document, the FAO will facilitate the organization of International Coffee Day in partnership with relevant institutions, including the International Coffee Organization.Coffee as an Important Commodity
Coffee ranks among the most popular beverages on the planet: in the last ten years, average global per capita consumption has increased by 1.2% annually. This sector provides income for approximately 25 million farmers and creates jobs at all stages of the value chain. The global coffee industry generates over $200 billion annually, as stated in the report.Coffee remains one of the most actively traded commodities in the world. In 2024, global production exceeded 11 million tons, of which about 8 million tons were sold on international markets. The estimated value of global coffee production that year was nearly $25 billion, while coffee bean exports reached about $34 billion.
In 2024, coffee accounted for 27.9% of Ethiopia's total commodity exports, 20.1% for Uganda, and 19.5% for Burundi. In Ethiopia and Uganda, coffee export revenues exceeded food import expenditures, while in Burundi, they accounted for nearly 20% of the country's food import costs.
Brazil and Vietnam were the leaders in coffee exports in 2024, while the largest importers were the European Union and the United States.
Supporting the Coffee Sector
The FAO helps coffee-producing countries cope with climate challenges. The organization actively combats pests and supports traditional coffee systems in Panama, develops agroforestry and climate-resilient coffee varieties in East Africa, and strengthens cooperative models in Cuba.The global coffee market increasingly demands transparency in production processes and adherence to new sustainability standards. The FAO works with producers and governments in countries such as Honduras, Guatemala, and Uganda to help create reliable traceability systems, align national policies with international standards, and attract investments for small farmers.
The organization also promotes the long-term improvement of farmers' conditions. In Brazil, Costa Rica, and Honduras, projects implemented in collaboration with partners, including the World Bank, enhance productivity and farm incomes. In El Salvador, the FAO supported the development of a comprehensive national coffee sector development plan.
The FAO intends to continue collaborating with member states and partners to ensure that International Coffee Day becomes a platform for knowledge sharing, cooperation, and joint initiatives.
Photo on the homepage is illustrative: news.un.org (UN Multilateral Fund for Peacekeeping in Colombia).
