FAO Digital Media Hub - World Soil Day 2025

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World Soil Day 2025 - Video Message

5 December 2025, FAO Director-General QU Dongyu video message for the World Soil Day 2025 “Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities”

Language English

Duration 3m22s

Edit Version Full Mix

Video Type Video Message

Date 12/05/2025

File size 392.52 MB

Unique ID UF1BA4Y

Production details and shotlist

UNFAO Source FAO Video

Script Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear Colleagues,

1. I am pleased to address you on World Soil Day 2025,

2. And to extend FAO’s warmest wishes to countries, cities, consumers，farmers, producers, and all partners and friends marking this important day under the theme “Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities”.

3. This year, as FAO celebrates its 80th anniversary, we reflect on eight decades of learning, sharing, initiatives, partnership, and action – including for healthy soils.

4. World Soil Day reminds us that our foods, our health and our future depend on how we care for the health of soils — whether we live in rural areas or in cities.

5. With about ten billions of population and 70% out of those expected to live in cities by 2050, soils are under increasing pressure.

6. Soil sealing, pollution and unplanned urban expansion threaten the soil’s capacity to deliver ecosystem services.

7. This puts food production and nutrition at risk, not only in urban and peri-urban areas, but also in the rural landscapes that feed millions.

8. Healthy Soils are essential for agrifood systems transformation, for sustainable development, and for the Four Betters:

9. Better Production to protect fertile soils and support farmers - from rural producers to urban growers - to sustainably manage natural resources.

10. Better Nutrition because healthy soils sustain diverse, nutrient-rich crops and strengthen agrifood systems.

11. Better Environment because healthy soils act as natural sponges, retaining water, storing carbon, shielding against flood risks and erosion, and safeguarding biodiversity and food diversity.

12. And a Better Life because healthy soils contribute to creating greener, cooler urban spaces that support our physical and mental well-being.
Dear Friends,
13. FAO is committed to driving solutions for healthy soils for healthy cities.

14. Through our Green Cities Initiative, we support cities in expanding green spaces, implementing restoration and promoting sustainable urban and peri-urban agriculture.

15. Anchored in the One Health approach, these efforts link the health of people, animals, plants, soils, and ecosystems—building stronger and more equitable and healthier cities for all.

16. Through the Global Soil Partnership, FAO works with Members to protect, sustainably use and restore soils — from farmlands to city parks and green belts.

17. On World Soil Day, we urge all partners to value and protect soils, restore them, and integrate soil health into policies and plans,

18. To ensure Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities!

19. Thank you.

QU Dongyu, FAO Director General - Video

Video messages - Qu Dongyu, FAO Director General

2025 DG Video messages - ALL

12 - December

World Soil Day 2025 - Video Message

(Standard Video)

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