The aim of this meeting is to bring together the 27 appointed experts in order to organize the first meeting of the Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soils (ITPS) programme of work by selecting a Chair and developing a work programme. Furthermore, they will organize the work that has been requested by the Plenary Assembly and that is related to: soils and sustainable development goals (SDGs); the Global Soil Partnership (GSP) pillars of action; the world soil charter; and ITPS and links with existing technical and scientific advisory bodies. The ITPS was established at the first Plenary Assembly of the Global Soil Partnership held at FAO Headquarters on 11-12 June 2013. The ITPS is composed of 27 top soil experts representing all the regions of the world. The main function of the ITPS is to provide scientific and technical advice and guidance on global soil issues to the Global Soil Partnership primarily and to specific requests submitted by global or regional institutions. The ITPS will advocate for addressing sustainable soil management in the different sustainable development agendas.  

dates: 22-26 July 2013   venue: FAO Headquarters   location: Rome, Italy   www: http://www.fao.org/globalsoilpartnership/events/detail/en/c/179065/