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The United Nations relies on UNESCO’s International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP) for expertise in Earth sciences and geological heritage. This vital programme is supported by two main pillars: the International Geoscience Programme (IGCP), in collaboration with the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS), and UNESCO Global Geoparks, in partnership with the Global Geoparks Network (GGN).
The International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme is governed by two Councils: the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council, which consists of 12 voting members, and the International Geoscience Programme Council, with six members. Both Councils play a crucial role in advancing UNESCO’s mission in Earth sciences and geological heritage.
Overview of the International Geoscience and Geoparks Governance
According to the Statutes of the International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (38 C/14, Annex I) and the Operational Guidelines for UNESCO Global Geoparks (38 C/14, Annex II), approved by the 38th General Conference:
- The International Geoscience Programme Council shall consist of six ordinary members, appointed by mutual agreement by the Director-General of UNESCO and the President of the International Union of Geological Sciences.
- The UNESCO Global Geoparks Council shall consist of 12 ordinary members appointed by the Director-General of UNESCO on the recommendation of the Global Geoparks Network and Member States.
- Members of both Councils serve four-year terms, renewable once, with half the membership renewed every two years.
From 17 November 2025 to 5 January 2026, the Secretariat of the UNESCO Global Geoparks issued a call to renew members of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council and the International Geoparks Council and the International Geoscience Programme Council, informing UNESCO Member States, Observers, and IGGP partners.
Two new appointees to the International Geoscience Programme Council
The International Geoscience Programme Council advises the Director-General of UNESCO and the President of IUGS on the strategy, planning, and implementation of the IGCP. Members of the IGCP Council are high-level experts actively engaged in scientific research related to Earth sciences, including Global Change, Geohazards, Hydrogeology, Earth Resources, and Geodynamics.
In line with UNESCO’s priority on gender equality and diverse geographical representation, while maintaining the highest qualifications among its members, UNESCO Director-General Prof Khaled El-Enany has nominated the following scientists to the IGCP Council, whose duties will commence on 1 January 2027:
Four new members and two renewals to the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council
The UNESCO Global Geoparks Council is the decision-making body for new UNESCO Global Geoparks applications and the revalidation of existing ones. The Council advises the Director-General on the strategic planning and implementation of the UNESCO Global Geoparks.
Following the call for nominations, UNESCO Director-General Prof Khaled El-Enany has nominated the following experts to join or continue on the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council, starting 1 September 2026:
read more: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/unesco-announces-new-appointments-unesco-global-geoparks-and-international-geoscience-programme?hub=701
