World Bee Day is observed on May 20, 2026. It was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2017 and has been celebrated annually since 2018. The date was chosen to commemorate the birthday of Anton Janša, a pioneer of modern beekeeping, born in 1734 in present-day Slovenia.
The aim of the day is to raise awareness of the essential role bees and other pollinators play in ecosystems, agriculture and food security. It also highlights the threats facing pollinators, including habitat loss, pesticide use and climate change.
World Bee Day promotes actions to protect pollinators and support sustainable farming practices. The United Nations encourages collaboration among governments, farmers and environmental organizations to safeguard pollinator populations.