Co-organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Thailand’s Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, the first International Soil and Water Forum 2024 will raise awareness and collectively identify solutions for halting and reversing soil degradation and water scarcity, both critical elements for ensuring food security and a healthier environment for all.

The Forum will promote discussions leading to action involving Ministerial Dialogues, thematic sessions, side events, and a knowledge and technology fair, showcasing innovations, existing good practices and technological advancements in soil and water management from around the world.

It will be organized along four themes: Managing water scarcity; Reversing land degradation, boosting land restoration; Sustainable soil management; Integrated climate resilient land, soil and water management.

FAO Director-General QU Dongyu will open the gathering and around 20 Ministers and Vice Ministers from around the globe are expected to attend, taking part in the Ministerial Dialogues which will be held on 9 and 10 December, as well as technical specialists from a range of countries.

The Global Status of Salt-affected Soils report will be launched on 11 December) during the Plenary Session (from 9:00 to 10:30 local time). A synthesis of national and regional reports, it provides a new estimate on the areas of salt-affected soils in the world, looks at salt affected soils in both natural environments and those induced by human activities. Highlighting the critical link between sustainable soil management, water quality, and food production, the report introduces many innovative ideas and sustainable approaches to tackling the challenge posed by saline soils.

Two Progress Reports, “Progress on change in water-use efficiency - Mid-term status of SDG Indicator 6.4.1 and acceleration needs, with special focus on food security and climate change” and “Progress on the level of water stress - Mid-term status of SDG Indicator 6.4.2 and acceleration needs, with special focus on food security”, will also be launched on 11 December) during the thematic session on “National Water Roadmaps towards SDGs” (from 11:00 to 12:30 . The reports analyze progress on SDG Indicators monitoring changes in water use efficiency and tracking water stress levels. Both of these are critical for agricultural productivity and resilience, as well as food security, ecosystem balance, and enhanced climate resilience.

FAO experts will be available for interviews. For more information contact: Francis.Markus@fao.org<mailto:Francis.Markus@fao.org> or Mahira.Afzal@fao.org<mailto:Mahira.Afzal@fao.org>


LOCATION
Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel, 155 Rajadamri Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.

The event will take place in hybrid form.

The opening session from 09:00 Bangkok time on 9 December will be webcast here

Other sessions can be followed by registering here.