Inside the Olympics of Soil Science
FAO strengthens science-to-action dialogue at the 23rd World Congress of Soil Science
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Nanjing, China | 7–13 June 2026
For the first time in its nearly 100-year history, the World Congress of Soil Science (WCSS) was held in China, bringing together around 3 000 participants from more than 100 countries and regions under the theme "Soil and the Shared Future for Humanity." Organized by the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) – the world's leading scientific organization for soil science – and the Soil Science Society of China, the Congress transformed Nanjing into a global meeting point for scientists, policymakers, development practitioners and private-sector representatives working to advance soil health, food security and sustainable development.
Described by Chinese media as the "Olympics of Soil Science," the Congress received extensive coverage from international, national and regional outlets, including China Daily, Xinhua News Agency, Science and Technology Daily, Xinhua Daily, China News Service/Sina Finance, Nanjing Daily, and Jiangsu TV. Reports highlighted both the record international participation and the growing recognition of soils as a strategic resource for addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation and food security.
For FAO, the Congress represented an opportunity not only to showcase scientific and technical advances, but also to strengthen the partnerships that help transform soil science into practical solutions for countries and farmers worldwide.
Opening the global soil dialogue
FAO was represented at the opening ceremony by Nora Berrahmouni, Deputy Director of FAO's Land and Water Division, who addressed delegates alongside IUSS President Victor O. Chude, Prof. Feng Shenhong, Vice President of the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), He Hongping, Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Xu Ying from the Leadership of Jiangsu Province, Li Zhongjun from the Leadership of the Municipality of Nanjing and Congress Chair Zhang Jiabao.
In her remarks, Berrahmouni highlighted the longstanding partnership between FAO and the IUSS, recalling how collaboration between the two institutions helped build a bridge between scientific excellence and global action through initiatives such as World Soil Day and the Global Soil Partnership.
"Soil is where food begins. No soil, no food."
She noted that the creation of the Global Soil Partnership was itself the result of a shared vision between FAO and the scientific community. As she recalled, it was the leadership of the IUSS that recognized a critical gap: while the world possessed outstanding soil science, it lacked a global mechanism capable of translating scientific knowledge into international policy and coordinated action.
Today, the Partnership continues to provide what Berrahmouni described as a "science-to-action pathway," where scientific research informs evidence-based decisions and supports practical solutions on the ground. Through its governing bodies, 8 technical networks and extensive global presence, FAO and its GSP works with governments, research institutions and farmers to transform scientific advances into policies, programmes and investments that improve soil health and food security.
A concrete example is the SoilFER programme (Soil Mapping for Resilient Agrifood Systems). Supported by the Governments of the United States of America and Japan, SoilFER helps countries build integrated soil information systems and decision-support tools that improve fertilizer use efficiency, sustainable soil management and crop suitability assessments, ultimately strengthening the resilience of agrifood systems and rural livelihoods.
Berrahmouni also highlighted the contribution of the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre, whose work on soil, water and crop management technologies continues to support countries in strengthening soil monitoring, laboratory capacities and evidence-based decision-making.
Hosting the Congress in China for the first time marked an important milestone for the global soil community. Throughout the week, participants highlighted China's growing contribution to soil science, black soil conservation, digital innovation and sustainable land management, while reaffirming the value of international cooperation in tackling global soil challenges.
The FAO booth: from science to solutions
At the heart of the exhibition area, the FAO booth served as a meeting point for scientists, policymakers, students and development partners from around the world.
Dedicated to the FAO work on soil and specifically to the FAO flagship SoilFER programme and to the work of the GSP, the exhibit, called “The Journey of Soil Data” showcased how soil science can be transformed into practical solutions. Through field sampling, laboratory analysis, digital soil mapping and decision-support tools, SoilFER supports countries in building integrated soil information systems that help improve soil fertility management, fertilizer use efficiency and agricultural resilience.
Integrated displays, videos, regional soil atlas, and technical publications attracted a steady flow of visitors throughout the week, creating opportunities for exchange and collaboration across disciplines and regions.
Beyond the exhibit, the booth hosted a series of conversations on the future of global soil cooperation.
Among the featured guests was Bruce Lascelles, incoming President of the IUSS, who reflected on opportunities to further strengthen collaboration between the international soil science community and FAO's Global Soil Partnership.
Christine Morgan from the IUSS Committee of prizes and award discussed the barriers that continue to limit women's participation and leadership in soil science and explored practical ways to build a more inclusive and diverse professional community.
Discussions with Xin Song, Lead of the Organizing Committee of the 23 WCSS, focused on the remarkable success of the Congress and the importance of increasing the visibility of soils among decision-makers and the broader public.
In another exchange, Professor Ganlin Zhang, Chair of the INSII (International Network of Soil Information Institutions) Network, reflected on China's growing contribution to global soil science and opportunities to deepen cooperation through innovation, technology and scientific exchange.
Advancing the science-to-action agenda
FAO experts contributed actively to technical sessions and panel discussions throughout the week.
A dedicated session on soil spectroscopy, jointly organized by FAO and IUSS, examined how emerging technologies can help close global soil data gaps and strengthen national soil information systems. Opening the session, Berrahmouni highlighted FAO's efforts through GLOSOLAN (Global Soil Laboratory Network) and SoilFER to support laboratory modernization, harmonization and capacity development worldwide.
"Our impact is only as strong as the scientific foundation you provide."
The Congress also provided an opportunity to spotlight the importance of black soils. During a press conference on the China Black Soil Initiative, Berrahmouni highlighted the critical role of black soils in food production and climate resilience, while emphasizing the need for continued international cooperation to protect and sustainably manage these highly fertile but vulnerable resources.
FAO colleagues contributed to a broad range of discussions on soil information systems, soil fertility, international cooperation, communication and gender.
On June 9, Giulia Stanco, FAO Knowledge Management Officer, joined the panel “Women in Soil Science: Closing Gaps and Strengthening Collaboration,” highlighting the importance of increasing the visibility and meaningful participation of women across the soil sector. Drawing on the momentum of the International Year of Women Farmers 2026 and examples from SoilFER and the Global Soil Doctors Programme, she emphasized the need to move beyond symbolic representation towards concrete opportunities for leadership, capacity development and decision-making, while strengthening international cooperation to help close persistent gender gaps in agriculture and soil science.
On the same day, Yi Peng, Land and Water Officer, participated in the panel discussion "Fostering International Collaboration in Soil Science." Reflecting on the role of global institutions, he highlighted the complementary contributions of organizations such as the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS), FAO and its GSP and other United Nations agencies in connecting scientific communities, facilitating capacity development and promoting the exchange of knowledge across countries and regions. He encouraged scientists to actively engage in and contribute to GSP's technical networks, emphasizing that stronger collaboration and the sharing of expertise are essential to addressing common soil challenges and advancing sustainable soil management worldwide.
Many of these conversations continued beyond the conference rooms, reinforcing a recurring message from the Congress: scientific innovation alone is not enough. Strong partnerships, effective communication and international cooperation are essential to translate research into tangible benefits for farmers, ecosystems and future generations.
Looking ahead
As participants looked ahead to upcoming global processes on climate, biodiversity and land restoration, the Congress reaffirmed the importance of placing healthy soils at the centre of sustainable and resilient agrifood systems.
"Science informs policy, policy mobilizes investment, and investment leads to healthy soils."
For FAO, the 23rd World Congress of Soil Science demonstrated both the great vitality of the global soil community – a testament to the dedication and passion of researchers, academics and practitioners from more than 100 countries – and the growing momentum behind efforts to connect science, policy and action. As the Congress is concluding in Nanjing, one message emerged clearly: healthy soils are fundamental to a shared future for humanity.