Held from 17 to 19 June in a hybrid format at FAO headquarters in Rome and online, the Assembly and its side events brought together over 700 participants, representatives from 140 countries and 333 organizations and partners, reaffirming the GSP’s role as the leading global platform for sustainable soil management.

Key decisions for a stronger global soil agenda 

Among the most significant outcomes of the session was the Plenary’s endorsement of the proposal for a United Nations Decade on Soil Health (2031–2040). With broad support from members and partners, the initiative moves forward for consideration and endorsement by FAO governing bodies (Committee on Agriculture, FAO Council and FAO Conference), paving the way for the development of an inclusive action plan aimed at mobilizing global action for healthy soils.

The Assembly also endorsed the revised Terms of Reference of the Global Soil Partnership, marking an important step in strengthening the partnership’s institutional framework, and forwarded them for endorsement by FAO governing bodies. In parallel, the Assembly approved the establishment of the International Policy Panel on Soils (IPPS) and the GSP Bureau and likewise to be submitted to the same governing bodies for their endorsement, reinforcing the science–policy interface and enhancing coordination among partners.

Another highlight of the session was the dynamic partner segment, which showcased experiences and perspectives from governments, research institutions, international organizations and civil society. Representatives from the European Commission, China, Canada, Madagascar, Colombia, Brazil, Senegal, Australia and many other partners shared initiatives and innovations supporting sustainable soil management worldwide, demonstrating the global reach and collaborative spirit of the GSP.

A global community united for soils

The three-day Assembly attracted broad participation from across regions and sectors. One hundred delegates from 49 countries and 86 partners from 44 countries attended in person, while more than 400 participants registered online. Side events broadcast to a wider audience reached 376 participants, expanding engagement beyond the meeting room.

The programme featured four high-level opening remarks and a keynote address, while the GSP Secretariat, Regional Soil Partnerships, technical networks and partners delivered 38 presentations covering scientific advances, policy developments and ongoing initiatives.

Participants also witnessed the launch of the video Caring for soils, empowering people, celebrating the role of healthy soils in food security, ecosystem restoration and sustainable development.

Dialogue beyond the Plenary

Four side events enriched the programme and fostered exchanges among policymakers, scientists and practitioners. Discussions explored smarter fertilizer use through the SoilFER approach, the role of science, law and policy in strengthening soil governance, experiences from Colombia and Guatemala on the use of agrological information, and pathways towards a healthier future through sustainable soil management.

Networking sessions and receptions accompanying the events provided further opportunities to strengthen collaboration among GSP partners.

Science and regional cooperation at the forefront

The Assembly welcomed the continued work of the Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soils (ITPS), reaffirming its role in providing scientific guidance and producing global technical products. Future themes for Global Symposia and World Soil Day were also endorsed.

Recognizing the importance of digital technologies, the GSP partners supported the establishment of a working group on ethical issues related to soil information and data activities and the use of artificial intelligence, as well as a second working group tasked with reviewing and updating the GSOC-MRV Protocol.

The Assembly also acknowledged progress achieved under the GSP Action Framework and highlighted the need for stronger regional cooperation, improved coordination and increased resource mobilization across the 7 Regional Soil Partnerships.

On the financial front, the GSP partners recognized the critical support provided by resource partners and called for more diversified funding sources. They also requested a comparative assessment of in-person, hybrid and virtual meeting formats to inform future sessions.

Looking ahead

As the session closed, participants confirmed that the GSP Plenary Assembly will continue to meet annually. The fifteenth session is scheduled to take place at FAO headquarters in Rome in June 2027.

Related links 

- Press release: FAO Director-General urges stronger action on soil health as Global Soil Partnership Assembly opens in Rome
- Photo gallery
- Agenda and documents

- Report

- Side events:

• Smarter Fertilizer Use for Food Security: The SoilFER Approach | 17 June 2026 | 12:00–13:30 RECORDING
• Status of the World’s Soil Resources: From Science to Law and Policy for Strengthened Soil Governance | 17 June 2026 | 16:00–17:00
• Side event: Sharing Good Practices for Soil Governance – Experiences from Colombia and Guatemala in the Use of Agrological Information for Rural Cadastre and Agrifood Sustainability | 18 June 2026 | 12:30 - 13:30  RECORDING
• Healthy Soils, Healthy Future | 18 June 2026 | 18:00–19:30 RECORDING