The 8^th meeting of the Asian Soil Laboratory Network (SEALNET), held from 15 to 19 July 2024 in Quezon City (the Philippines), brought together representatives from soil laboratories across 18 Asian countries. gathered in Quezon City (the Philippines). Hosted by the Bureau of Soil and Water Management (BSWM), the event marked a significant step forward for soil science in the region, with new targets established and a major inter-laboratory comparison exercise launched.

The International Soil and Water Forum 2024, taking place in Bangkok, Thailand, from December 9-11, 2024, will address the critical challenges of water scarcity and soil degradation. Co-organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Royal Thai Government, this landmark event will convene global leaders, experts, and stakeholders to develop actionable strategies for transforming agrifood systems.

As part of the transformation towards more sustainable agrifood systems, knowledge dissemination and practical training are essential to ensure effective management of soil resources. The Global Soil Doctors Programme, implemented by the FAO Global Soil Partnership, is an outstanding example of farmer-to-farmer education, providing scientific knowledge for improving soil management practices worldwide. Among its many training materials, video tutorials play a crucial role in enabling farmers and soil doctors to acquire the skills needed to assess and improve soil health.

The 9th International Symposium on Soil Organic Matter (SOM 2024) gathered researchers and professionals from across the world to share developments on the knowledge of soil organic matter (SOM) and its key role in global decarbonization. Hosted by University Mohammed IV Polytechnic (UM6P), it marked the first SOM symposium held in Africa, underscoring SOM's contribution to African agriculture.

The 5th Workshop of the International Network of Black Soils (INBS) concluded successfully in Changchun, co-organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and its Global Soil Partnership, the Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and INBS. This significant event, held from 9 to 11 July 9 2024, brought together experts from across the globe to discuss the sustainable management of black soils.