Open-ended Working Group on the review of the Operational Guidelines of UNESCO Global Geoparks
Background on UNESCO Global Geoparks
UNESCO Global Geoparks are the youngest category of UNESCO-designated sites. In 2015, the UNESCO General Conference adopted the basic texts of the new Global Geoparks pillar within the International Global Geosciences and Geoparks Programme (IGGP), deliberately designating it as an international programme, rather than an intergovernmental programme. UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGp), individually and collectively in the Global Geoparks Network (GGN) and associated regional networks, have already delivered significant benefits for their communities and UNESCO Member States in general. Today, there are 213 UGGp in 48 countries.
RSVP: 10:00 AM, 13 December - Cancelled
The fourth OEWG Meeting scheduled to be held 13 December has been cancelled.
Purpose of the Open-Ended Working Group
The Open-ended Working Group has been established to review and propose updates to the Operational Guidelines of UNESCO Global Geoparks. The review aims to ensure that the guidelines continue to promote sustainable development, local community engagement, and the protection of sites of international geoscientific importance.
Expected outcomes
The OEWG is expected to produce:
- Proposed amendments to the Operational Guidelines, if required.
- A final progress report to be submitted to the UNESCO Executive Board.
Timeline
The Working Group will follow the timeline below:
- Initial consultation: 16 September 2024
- 2nd meeting: 4 November 2024
- 3rd meeting: 29 November 2024
- 4th meeting: cancelled
- Progress report submitted: January 2025
Open-ended Working Groups
An Open-ended Working Group (OEWG) at UNESCO refers to an intergovernmental body that is not limited by time or fixed membership, allowing any interested member states or stakeholders to participate. These groups are typically set up to discuss specific topics or challenges, such as implementing parts of UNESCO conventions or tackling emerging issues. They aim to provide flexible, ongoing consultations among participants, ensuring that discussions and policy formulations can evolve over time without rigid constraints. For example, an OEWG was created to review the implementation of Article 18 of the .
Suggested revisions*
Revisions to articles of the Operational Guidelines for UNESCO Global Geoparks sent to the UNESCO Secretariat (iggp@unesco.org) will be shared online in advance of the OEWG meetings.
*to be updated as suggestions are received