The Global Geoparks Network was created in 2004 under the auspices of UNESCO  with the aim of promoting the protection of geological heritage and geotourism worldwide. Since 2014, it has functioned as a non-profit international organisation based in Paris.

With the Madonie Declaration of 2004, all members of the European Geoparks Network automatically became members of the Global Geoparks Network. After the establishment of the International Geoscience and Geoparks Program, any area seeking recognition as a UNESCO Global Geopark must become a member of the Global Geoparks Network.
Today, the Global Geoparks Network, in collaboration with UNESCO, promotes the development of geoparks across all continents and the creation of additional continental networks.

The continental networks currently in operation are:

• The The European Geoparks Network
• The Asia–Pacific Network
• The Latin America and Caribbean Network
• The North American Geoparks Network
• The African Geoparks Network

The Global Geoparks Network today includes 195 members from 48 countries.