The event was held for the fifth consecutive year to underscore the vital importance of soil and advocate the global efforts on sustainable soil management, conservation, preservation and restoration.  It also paid tribute to His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand for his life-long dedication to promote soil sciences and resources, whose work has been widely recognised by the international community. In 2013, the 68^th United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution designating 5 December, the Birthday of His Majesty, as World Soil Day.

          H.E. Mr. Vitavas Srivihok, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Thailand to the United Nations, delivered an opening remarks to underline the call for actions by all stakeholders on the issue, which will contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He also highlight the Thailand’s contributions to this shared global agenda including the launch of the Center of Excellence for Soil Research in Asia, in Nakorn Ratchasima province to serve as a regional platform for technical cooperation on soil management, and the establishment of the World Soil Day Award to motivate individuals, communities or organizations who work to promote soil preservation and soil management.

          Ms. Carla Mucavi, Director of the FAO Liaison Office, New York, as a moderator of the event, informed the meeting that this year, the World Soil Day is celebrated in 60 countries around the world and commended the legacy of His Majesty the Late King and his life-long commitment to sustainable soil management.

          The substantive panel discussion delved in to the concerns regarding the situations of soil pollution around the world caused by reckless and careless behaviors of humans.  Addressing this challenge requires actions by all stakeholders.Two youth representatives from Thailand also joined the panel and highlighted the role and contributions that youth can have towards finding soil solution, including through simple actions such as reusing, reducing and recycling wastes. Moreover, the youth representatives also spoke about His Majesty the Late King’s royal projects on healthy and productive soil and holistic water management, as well as the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy, which have significantly improved the lives of the people in Thailand and beyond.

          The event was also attended by a large number of multi-stakeholder representatives from the UN Member States, international organisations, the private sector, academia, and civil society.