This video message by FAO Director-General was presented at the opening ceremony of the 20th World Congress of Soil Science (20WCSS) that took place in Korea (Jeju) from the 8 to 13 June 2014. This congress was organized by the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) who is celebrating its 90 years. FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva first reminded why soils constitute the foundation of agriculture and why healthy soils are fundamental  for food production. He congratulated the organizers and IUSS anniversary. He has explained that the Global Soil Partnership, established by FAO members, constitutes a point of convergence for promoting sustainable soil management. FAO Director-General also highlighted that the International Year of Soils 2015 and the World Soil Day on the 5th December were adopted by the UN General Assembly as two crucial awareness raising platforms.