The Director of Qeshm Island UNESCO Global Geopark has announced the election of Dr Alireza AmriKazemi as Iran’s first representative to the Executive Board of the Global Geoparks Network.

Published on : Sep 15, 2025

The Director of Qeshm Island UNESCO Global Geopark has announced the election of Dr Alireza AmriKazemi as Iran’s first representative to the Executive Board of the Global Geoparks Network.

The announcement was made in reference to the Fifth Ordinary General Assembly of the Global Geoparks Network, convened during the 11th International Conference on UNESCO Global Geoparks, held at the Kütralkura UNESCO Global Geopark in Chile. The Assembly brought together representatives from over 230 geoparks across 50 countries.

Fifteen members were elected to the Executive Board, which serves as the principal decision-making body of the Network. The Board will be responsible for policy-making, strategic formulation and the overall management of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network for the forthcoming four-year term.

Emphasising the significance of this appointment, the Director of Qeshm Island UNESCO Global Geopark added: “For the first time, Iran has secured representation within the highest decision-making body of the Global Geoparks Network. This will enable the country to play a direct role in international decision-making and planning processes related to geoparks, support planning for the establishment of new geoparks in Iran, and provide valuable opportunities for scientific exchange and knowledge-sharing with other geoparks.”

He further highlighted that the appointment represents a valuable opportunity for the exchange of experience, the enhancement of international engagement, and the promotion of the interests of Iran and countries across the region in the fields of sustainable development and geotourism.

Rostam Gurani added that Dr AmriKazemi’s election by a strong majority reflects the confidence of the international community in Iran’s scientific and managerial capabilities. He further noted that this achievement is expected to enhance the visibility of Qeshm Island UNESCO Global Geopark, expand avenues for international cooperation and increase Iran’s engagement in UNESCO global initiatives.

Dr Alireza AmriKazemi has also served as a member of the IGGP Committee, National Commission for UNESCO, a member of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council, and the Director of Qeshm Island UNESCO Global Geopark.