 Tea is an age-old symbol of well-being that appears in the arts, literature, music, and boasts countless colours and varieties. Around the world, tea is our most loved drink after water, but tea is more than just a shared experience. To millions of farmers in developing countries, tea is the main source of income. Over 9 million tea farmers in the four main tea-producing countries, namely China, India, Kenya and Sri Lanka, are smallholders, and smallholders produce 60% of the global tea supply. From China to Sri Lanka, Kenya to Vietnam, whole communities depend on tea for their livelihoods. The tea sector has the potential to change lives. A billion-dollar industry that can support the economies and contribute to sustainable agri-food systems. Yet the sector needs innovation to better adjust to climate change, more sustainable production methods to better respond to consumers' needs, and improved access to finance for tea producers, in particular for women in business. Smallholder tea producers need our support to strengthen their business model and environment. International Tea Day celebrates the men and women behind the leaves. From field to cup, we must advocate sustainability of the tea value chain, protecting this ancient cultural heritage, so that small-scale farmers get a fair deal. The tea sector must be part of the needed transformation of our agri-food systems to become more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable. For better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life. Realising the 2030 Agenda's vision of leaving no one behind.