In continuity with the initiatives generated by International Tea Day, this event stands as a concrete extension of global efforts to recognize tea as a profound cultural phenomenon. It is situated at the crossroads of agricultural knowledge, social practices, artistic expressions, science, and education.
The choice of La Réunion Island to host the first major edition is rooted in a historical, scientific, cultural, and symbolic approach. Positioned at the crossroads of maritime routes between Asia, Africa, and Europe, it holds a singular place in the history of tea in France.
As early as 1729, the introduction of tea marked one of the first attempts to acclimatize Camellia sinensis on French soil. Today, with its volcanic topography and diverse microclimates, it remains a living memory of the circulation of plants and cultures, perfectly embodying the values upheld by UNESCO.
Focusing on agronomy, botany, terroir geology, climatology, and sensory analysis to better understand and adapt to tomorrow's challenges.
Dedicated to the transmission of knowledge, professional training, and the pedagogy of taste and aromas.
Celebrating social practices, tea arts, aesthetics, and cultural diplomacy between nations.
Safeguarding cultural landscapes, artisanal gestures, and both tangible and intangible global heritage.
Our logo expresses a global vision grounded in the interconnection between living systems, knowledge, cultures, and human societies. It is composed of a stylized tea leaf, integrated into a representation of the planet Earth, affirming both a territorial anchoring and an international scope.
The overall structure is defined by six distinct curves. These are not merely graphic elements; they visually reflect the core principles upheld by UNESCO: Education, Natural Sciences, Human and Social Sciences, Culture, Preservation of Knowledge, and Intercultural Peace.
We inaugurate a project of strong symbolic significance: the creation of a "Tea Wok". Built collectively, where each participating country lays a brick, it belongs to no single State. It embodies tea as a living heritage shared by humanity.
"One country, one brick. One humanity, one heritage."
The International Tea Symposium brings together tea stakeholders from diverse cultural, territorial, and political backgrounds. This diversity constitutes a shared richness. It requires a common framework grounded in respect, attentive listening, and neutrality. This Charter sets out the principles guiding exchanges, collaborations, and contributions.
The Symposium forms part of a broader commitment to the recognition and promotion of living cultural heritage related to tea and the territories in which it is cultivated.
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Participation in the Symposium reflects a commitment to cooperation grounded in respect for the nations represented and their cultural singularities.
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Each participant acknowledges the value of the tea cultures represented.
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Each territory holds its own history, resources, and development pathways.
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The Symposium constitutes a space for open and respectful dialogue.
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The Symposium strengthens connections among peoples through tea.
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Each participant acts with rigor and accountability.
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Tea constitutes a living heritage transmitted across generations.
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The Symposium relies on a climate of trust.
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By participating in the International Tea Symposium, you adhere to this Charter. You contribute to establishing tea as a space for dialogue among cultures, grounded in respect, dignity, and responsibility.
Le International Tea Symposium réunit des acteurs du thé issus de cultures, de territoires et de systèmes politiques différents. Cette diversité constitue une richesse. Elle impose un cadre commun fondé sur le respect, l’écoute et la neutralité. Cette charte fixe les principes qui guident les échanges, les collaborations et les prises de parole.
Le Symposium s’inscrit dans une démarche de reconnaissance et de valorisation du patrimoine culturel vivant lié au thé et aux territoires de production.
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La participation au Symposium traduit un engagement dans une dynamique de coopération entre les nations.
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Chaque participant reconnaît la valeur des cultures du thé représentées.
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Chaque territoire dispose de sa propre histoire et de ses choix de développement.
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Le Symposium constitue un espace de dialogue apaisé.
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Le Symposium renforce les liens entre les peuples.
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Chaque participant agit avec rigueur.
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Le thé constitue un patrimoine transmis entre générations.
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Le Symposium repose sur un climat de confiance.
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En participant au International Tea Symposium, tu adhères à cette charte. Tu contribues à faire du thé un espace de dialogue entre les cultures, fondé sur le respect, la dignité et la responsabilité.
