2026 Call for candidates to renew six members of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council
Application deadline: 5 January 2026
UNESCO is calling for candidates to apply for the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council.
UNESCO Global Geoparks, within the International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP), serve as a mechanism for international cooperation. With their bottom-up approach, they actively engage local communities to promote awareness of geological heritage and sustainably develop the area. Through the IGGP, these areas can apply to UNESCO, for designation as a “UNESCO Global Geopark”, drawing upon the broader mandate of the Organization.
The UNESCO Global Geoparks Council is responsible for assessing revalidated and new UNESCO Global Geopark nominations. It makes the decision on whether new applications should be forwarded to the Executive Board of UNESCO for endorsement. Furthermore, it has a key advising role to the Director-General of UNESCO on the strategy, planning and implementation of UNESCO Global Geoparks.
All interested candidates must complete the application form and declaration with respect to the IGGP Statutes and UNESCO Global Geoparks Operational Guidelines as well as the fact that there is no conflict of interest. The application should also include a detailed CV, a motivation letter, and a document of support from the Member State or the GGN presenting the candidate. This information should be sent directly to the UNESCO International Geoscience and Geoparks Secretariat (IGGP@unesco.org) no later than 5 January 2026.
Once the Director-General of UNESCO has appointed the new members, they will be invited by UNESCO to join the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council and take up their tasks according to the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council’s Terms of Reference.
How to apply
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