Geng Shuang, charge d'affaires of China's permanent mission to the UN, speaks during the third Laoshan International Tea Festival at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York, May 21, 2025. (Photo by Winston Zhou/Xinhua)

UNITED NATIONS, May 22 (Xinhua) -- The Third Laoshan International Tea Festival was held Wednesday at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York to mark 2025 International Tea Day.

"A tiny tea leaf can drive economic growth and uplift people's livelihoods," said Geng Shuang, charge d'affaires of China's permanent mission to the UN, adding that tea can offer a smart solution for the harmonious co-existence between humanity and nature and is "a perfect interpretation of the ecological civilization concept."

"A tiny tea leaf can also serve as a messenger of peace between civilizations," said Geng.

"The promotion and development of tea cultivation, tea economy, and tea culture represent a best practice in implementing the Global Development Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative. It is also a proven path toward mutual learning and shared prosperity among countries," he said.

Osama Mahmoud Abdel Khalek Mahmoud, Egypt's UN ambassador, and Bjorg Sandkjaer, UN assistant secretary-general for policy coordination in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, shared similar perspectives that the tea industry promotes economic growth, creates jobs and income, helps implement multiple sustainable development goals, and serves as an important channel for connecting people of all countries and promoting cultural exchanges.

Nearly 200 participants, including diplomats and officials from the UN Secretariat, attended the festival, which featured tea art performances, traditional dances and music, and an exhibition themed "China's Poverty Alleviation Model: A Case Study of Malipo County." ■

Egypt's UN ambassador Osama Mahmoud Abdel Khalek Mahmoud speaks during the third Laoshan International Tea Festival at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York, May 21, 2025. (Photo by Winston Zhou/Xinhua)

Guests attend the third Laoshan International Tea Festival at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York, May 21, 2025. (Photo by Winston Zhou/Xinhua)

Guests attend the third Laoshan International Tea Festival at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York, May 21, 2025. (Photo by Winston Zhou/Xinhua)