The theme of the conference, "Geotechnical Engineering, foundation of the future", embraces all aspects of geotechnical engineering. Geotechnical engineering is the foundation of current as well as future societies, which both rely on complex civil engineering infrastructures, and call for mitigation of potential geodangers posing threat to these. Geotechnical engineering is the key to a safe and sustainable infrastructure and of importance for the society, economy and the environment. This must be emphasized and reported upon.