Global Soil Partnership

Open call to host the World Soil Day Celebration on 5 December 2025

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), through its Global Soil Partnership (GSP), invites expressions of interest from countries wishing to host the official World Soil Day (WSD) celebration on 5 December 2025. For the second consecutive year, the official WSD event will be held outside FAO headquarters. The selected host country will co-organize a high-level international event in close collaboration with FAO. The 2025 theme, “Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities,” will focus on urban soils and the challenges of soil sealing. The event will highlight the role of sustainable soil management in supporting resilient cities, biodiversity, and food security. Countries with a strong commitment to soil health and the institutional capacity to organize a global event are encouraged to apply through their designated GSP focal points. 

Interested countries are invited to fill in the online form or contact the GSP Secretariat at [email protected] for any questions or clarifications on the process

01/09/2025

Is your country committed to soil health and sustainable urban soil management? We invite you to host and co-organize the World Soil Day celebration with us, sharing your dedication to the world. 

Don’t miss this unique opportunity for your country to be recognized as a global soil health advocate during the landmark FAO’s 80th anniversary. Seize the moment and participate in this open call! 

Background 

FAO, through the Global Soil Partnership (GSP), was officially mandated by the 68th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (2013) to facilitate the observance of WSD. Since then, WSD has been celebrated globally every 5 December to raise awareness of the importance of healthy soils and to promote sustainable management of soil resources.  

How is the official celebration of WSD organized? 

The official celebration of WSD can be held as a 1.5-hour in-person or hybrid event.  

Each year, the celebration includes the awarding ceremony for the Glinka World Soil Prize, sponsored by the Russian Federation and the King Bhumibol World Soil Day Award sponsored by Thailand. It also includes the announcement of winners from awareness-raising competitions targeting children, youth, and communicators, underscoring the event’s commitment to education and outreach. 

Who can apply? 

We invite expressions of interest from governments with a strong commitment to soil health and sustainable soil management, and with the capacity to coordinate the logistical and institutional arrangements required to host a global event in collaboration with FAO. Applications must be submitted through the designated GSP focal points. 

The following criteria will be considered in selecting the host country: 

  • Adequate infrastructure and facilities to host an in-person or hybrid high-level international event; 

  • Capacity to coordinate logistics and planning at national level; 

  • Capacity to mobilize funds and resources to co-finance all aspects of the event; 

  • Accessible location for international travelers. 

Why host World Soil Day 2025? 

As an official United Nations observance, hosting the official WSD 2025 celebration offers: 

  • Global visibility as a leading country in promoting soil health; 

  • A chance to showcase national efforts and achievements in sustainable soil management; 

  • Opportunities to enhance collaboration with FAO and GSP in organizing a high-level international celebration. 

How to apply? 

Interested countries are invited to fill in the online form or contact the GSP Secretariat at [email protected] for any questions or clarifications on the process.