Statement by Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Sérgio França Danese, on the resolution on the International Coffee Day - March 10th, 2026

Madam President,

Excellencies,

Distinguished Delegates,

Brazil has the honour to introduce the draft resolution on the designation of the “International Coffee Day”, on behalf of a core group of eighteen countries: Angola, Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, Finland, India, Indonesia, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Peru, Portugal, Sao Tome and Principe, Türkiye, Viet Nam, and Yemen.

The diversity of this group — bringing together countries from different regions, cultures, and stages of development, producers and consumers of coffee — reflects the universal resonance of this initiative. It demonstrates that even in complex and challenging times, cooperation and unity remain possible.

On 4 July 2025, the Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, at its forty-fourth session, designated 1 October as International Coffee Day. Today, it is in the hands of this General Assembly to endorse that decision and to give it the universal recognition it deserves.

Coffee, Madam President, is more than a commodity. It is more than a crop traded across oceans and harvested in fields tended with dedication and resilience. It is a thread woven into the social and cultural fabric of most societies.

From its historical origins to its global presence today, coffee has connected people across continents. It is present at family tables and in workplaces at the early hours of the day. It accompanies conversations that build friendships, negotiations that shape partnerships, and exchanges that inspire ideas. Across generations, coffee has served as a symbol of encounter — a simple yet powerful invitation to sit together, to speak, and to listen.

This resolution acknowledges the cultural, social and historical significance of coffee. It recognizes the millions of livelihoods linked to its production, processing, transport, trade and consumption. Behind every cup of coffee are farmers, many of them smallholders, as well as workers, cooperatives, entrepreneurs and families whose well-being depends on a fair and sustainable global value chain.

By endorsing the International Coffee Day, we celebrate not only a charming and cherished product, but also the communities sustained by it. We affirm the importance of cooperation among producing and consuming countries. We underscore the value of sustainability, resilience and inclusiveness throughout the supply chain. And we highlight the contribution of coffee to rural development, poverty reduction and cultural heritage.

At a time when divisions too often dominate headlines, this resolution sends a different message. It reminds us that shared traditions can bring us together. It signals to producers and consumers alike that fairness, partnership and sustainability remain principles worthy of our collective commitment. It reassures our citizens that even in difficult times, multilateralism can still deliver moments of agreement and shared and meaningful celebration.

We are grateful to the many delegations whose constructive engagement and co-sponsorship strengthened the text and allowed it to proceed in a spirit of consensus. Their support reflects the understanding that some initiatives — though modest in appearance — carry profound symbolic value.

Madam President,

In endorsing 1 October as International Coffee Day, this Assembly has the opportunity to recognize a tradition that transcends borders and generations. We invite all delegations to join us in supporting this draft resolution.

I thank you.