On June 20, 2025, the aroma of freshly brewed tea and the spirit of heartfelt hospitality filled the halls of UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris. As part of the International Tea Day celebration, Kazakhstan made a beautiful statement — not just with flavor, but with culture, tradition, and meaning, DKnews.kz reports.
More than a sip: what is International Tea Day?
Officially declared by the United Nations in 2019, International Tea Day is celebrated every year on May 21. This year, the celebratory event in Paris was held on June 20, organized by the UNESCO Communities Association and the Franco-Chinese Center for Cultural and Artistic Exchange.
The evening brought together 17 nations, each presenting their unique tea cultures through national displays. And among them, Kazakhstan’s stand stood out — warm, inviting, and full of soul.
The Kazakh tea stand: a celebration of hospitality
Kazakhstan’s participation was coordinated by "Alem" Association, a civic initiative of Kazakhs living in France. Their pavilion didn’t just serve tea — it embodied the spirit of the steppe, where every guest is family and every gathering begins with a shared cup.
Visitors were offered rich, traditional Kazakh tea, brewed with care, accompanied by homemade sweets and pastries like baursaks. The atmosphere was one of genuine hospitality — open, heartfelt, and welcoming.
The stand also featured a short video about Kazakh tea traditions (produced by the Community of Diplomatic Spouses of Kazakhstan), informative brochures prepared by the Permanent Delegation of Kazakhstan to UNESCO, and thoughtful cultural souvenirs.
When art meets tea
A special moment of the evening came during the opening ceremony, when Kazakhstan’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO, Ambassador Askar Abdrakhmanov, spoke about the role of tea in Kazakh family life.
To illustrate this, he presented a print of a painting titled “Urpaq” (“Generations”) by renowned Kazakh artist Bakhyt Shuketayev. The artwork reflects the timeless bond between generations — symbolized by a shared table and the act of coming together over tea.
In a gesture of cultural friendship, the ambassador gifted the artwork to the organizers, leaving a meaningful mark on the evening.
“Tea Together for Peace”
The theme of the night — “Tea Together for Peace” — resonated deeply. In a world full of noise and division, the simple act of offering someone a cup of tea becomes a bridge. It’s a silent language of respect, unity, and care.
And Kazakhstan used this platform to show that diplomacy doesn’t always require speeches — sometimes, it just takes warmth and sincerity.
Why this matters
In an era defined by uncertainty and cultural fragmentation, events like this are powerful reminders of what connects us. Kazakhstan’s presence at UNESCO was not just ceremonial — it was meaningful, emotional, and human.
It demonstrated that through tea — through tradition — a nation can share its soul.
Final thought
International Tea Day is about more than a beverage. It’s about gathering, understanding, and remembering what really brings people together.
Kazakhstan’s stand in Paris wasn’t just a table with tea — it was a story. One of heritage, family, peace, and open hearts.
And perhaps, somewhere in Paris that evening, someone tasted Kazakh tea for the first time — and with it, felt the warmth of a distant land where every guest is cherished, and every cup carries a message of peace.
