Rwanda co-hosted the first celebration of International Coffee Day at the United Nations Office at Geneva, alongside FAO Geneva and the Permanent Missions of Indonesia and Türkiye. Held at the Palais des Nations under the theme “Celebrating Coffee, Honouring the People Behind Every Cup,” the event combined high-level remarks, expert discussions and coffee tasting.

The celebration recognised the farmers, processors, traders, roasters and baristas whose work brings coffee from farm to cup, while highlighting the importance of sustainable production and decent livelihoods.

Opening the event, Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, emphasised that coffee is more than a beverage: it is about livelihoods and communities. Dominique Burgeon, Director of the FAO Liaison Office in Geneva, highlighted women’s essential contribution to agrifood systems, linking the celebration to the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026.

Speaking on behalf of Ambassador Urujeni Bakuramutsa, Fabrice Safali Mihogo, First Secretary at the Permanent Mission of Rwanda, highlighted the resilience, hard work and aspirations of the rural communities behind Rwanda’s coffee.

He outlined the country’s transition towards greater emphasis on quality, origin and value creation through improved farming practices, processing, traceability and market access.

“At the centre of this transformation is the farmer,” he stated, underscoring Rwanda’s ambition to ensure that a greater share of the value generated by coffee reaches the families who produce it. He also stressed the vital roles of women and young people in building an equitable and sustainable coffee sector.

The celebration offered participants an opportunity to taste coffees from Rwanda, Indonesia and Türkiye. With support from Rwanda’s National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), the Rwandan coffee tasting showcased the country’s distinctive flavours and quality, celebrating the dedication of the people behind every bean.

By co-hosting this inaugural celebration at UN Geneva, Rwanda brought its coffee sector’s experience into a shared discussion on stronger partnerships, sustainability and better livelihoods for coffee-producing communities.