UNESCO Global Geoparks Conference 2029 Registration Open Globally
A new international call has been issued for countries and organizations to host the 13th International Conference on UNESCO Global Geoparks in 2029—an event that attracts up to 1,000 global experts in geoscience, sustainable tourism, and environmental policy.
The UNESCO Global Geoparks Conference 2029 hosting call invites countries with existing geoparks to submit bids to organize a major international event. It is open to governments, institutions, and geopark authorities capable of hosting 800–1,000 delegates. Selected hosts will gain global visibility, institutional partnerships, and leadership positioning in sustainable development and geo-tourism.
UNESCO and the Global Geoparks Network (GGN) have formally opened applications for hosting rights of the 2029 International Conference on UNESCO Global Geoparks, marking one of the most influential global gatherings in earth sciences and sustainable tourism. The decision will be finalized in 2027 during the 12th conference in Portugal, giving applicants a multi-year preparation window.
For universities, research institutions, and government-linked organizations in countries already hosting UNESCO Global Geoparks, this is not just an event bid—it is a strategic opportunity to position themselves at the center of global environmental dialogue.
Why This Matters Now?
Global interest in geoparks has surged in recent years as countries seek sustainable development models that balance tourism, conservation, and community engagement. Hosting this conference places the selected country at the forefront of that movement, offering unmatched visibility to policymakers, researchers, and international organizations.
The event is expected to gather 800–1,000 participants, including scientists, UNESCO officials, tourism authorities, and geopark managers. This scale alone makes it a high-impact platform for networking, partnerships, and policy influence.
What Hosting Involves?
Applicants must present a technically sound and financially viable proposal. The organizing team is expected to include geoscientists, communication experts, and administrative staff, alongside collaboration with UNESCO and GGN representatives.
Financially, hosts are responsible for funding the event through public or private sources. The proposal must clearly outline budget planning, sponsorship strategies, and participant fee structures. Notably, organizers must also cover costs for key governing bodies, including travel and accommodation for council and executive board members.
Logistically, the host country must demonstrate the capacity to manage multiple high-level meetings alongside the main conference, including assemblies, advisory boards, and thematic workshops. The scale and complexity of these arrangements signal that only well-prepared and institutionally supported bids will succeed.
Who Should Apply?
This call is targeted at countries and regions already recognized under the UNESCO Global Geoparks framework. Strong applications will likely come from governments or institutions with prior experience in hosting international academic or policy events.
For universities and research bodies, partnering with national authorities or tourism boards could significantly strengthen a bid. The inclusion of multidisciplinary teams—spanning science, administration, and tourism—is a critical success factor.
Competitiveness and Strategic Value
Competition is expected to be high. Previous host locations—including Japan, Canada, Italy, Morocco, and Chile—demonstrate that successful bids often combine strong governmental backing with international collaboration and infrastructure readiness.
However, the long-term benefits are substantial. Hosting the conference can boost tourism, attract international research partnerships, and elevate a country’s standing in sustainability initiatives.
Application Deadline
The last date to submit a hosting bid for the UNESCO Global Geoparks Conference 2029 is 31 May 2026.
Applicants will have an opportunity to refine their proposals following feedback and present a final version in 2027 before the official selection.
Final Takeaway
This is not a conventional scholarship or fellowship—but for institutions and governments, it offers something equally valuable: global influence. For students and researchers, the outcome of this call will shape where one of the world’s most important geoscience gatherings will take place, potentially opening doors for participation, collaboration, and exposure in the years ahead.