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Celebrating Networking in Geotourism
Innovate – Connect – Transform

Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark is proud to host the APGN Symposium 2026, where international experts, geopark managers, researchers, and industry professionals will gather to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and collaborate on the future of sustainable geotourism.

This symposium provides a unique opportunity to discuss the latest innovations, trends, and best practices in geopark management, networking, and educational.

6 ~ 10 SEPTEMBER 2026 | 📍 Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark, Malaysia

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST

APGN Symposium 2026

The APGN Symposium 2026 invites you to an extraordinary gathering of geopark professionals, researchers, policymakers, educators, and tourism experts to explore innovative ways to foster sustainable geotourism. Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark, a jewel of natural and cultural heritage, is thrilled to host this milestone event, offering a platform for dynamic discussions, insightful exchanges, and transformative collaborations.

“Celebrating Networking in Geotourism”

This year’s theme highlights the importance of building resilient networks among geoparks to inspire innovation, foster meaningful connections, and lead transformative actions for sustainable development.

– Innovate –

Explore cutting-edge ideas
and practices to
enrich geotourism initiatives.

– Connect –

Strengthen collaborations
between geoparks and
their communities worldwide.

– Transform –

Drive sustainable change
through shared
experiences and strategies.

Together, we aim to elevate geotourism’s potential as a force for conservation, education, and community empowerment.

Program HighlightsAbout Us

INNOVATE CONNECT TRANSFORM⚬

Spotlight On: What You’ll Experience

Program Highlights

Plenary Sessions

Engage with renowned speakers sharing insights on geotourism, sustainability, and global best practices.

Poster Presentations

Explore cutting-edge research and success stories in geotourism and conservation from around the world.

Thematic Workshops, Forums & Dialogues

Participate in interactive sessions focused on “Celebrating Networking in Geotourism”, highlighting collaboration for sustainable tourism and conservation.

Geopark Fair

Discover innovations, cultural heritage, and local crafts through exhibits from global geoparks.

Field Trips

Experience Langkawi’s stunning geosites firsthand, including Machinchang Cambrian and Kilim Karst Geoforest Parks.

Networking Events

Build meaningful connections with participants from across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond, including geopark managers, researchers, educators, and industry partners, fostering collaborations and exchanging best practices.

Core Discussion

Topics of Interest

Participants can look forward to engaging discussions on the following topics of interest:

Event Schedule
Heritage Conservation

Geosite Conservation
Preserving significant geological sites to protect natural heritage while ensuring their value can be studied and appreciated by future generations.

Integrated Heritage Conservation
A holistic approach that safeguards cultural, natural, and geological heritage together, promoting balance between preservation and sustainable use.

Public Education

Education for the Future
Inspiring the next generation with knowledge and skills to understand, value, and sustain our natural and cultural heritage.

Community Empowerment
Building awareness and encouraging active participation from local communities to take ownership in protecting and promoting heritage.

Sustainable Development

Innovation in GeoTourism
Developing creative and sustainable tourism experiences that highlight geological and cultural heritage.

GeoTourism Product Development
Creating unique, community-driven products and experiences that enhance visitor engagement and support local economies.

Geopark Governance / Geopark Management

Strengthening policies, management, and collaborative frameworks to ensure effective Geopark operations.

Social and Private Enterprises
Encouraging partnerships between communities, social enterprises, and private sectors to drive sustainable growth and long-term benefits.

Morning Session I

08:00AM ~ 10:00AM

GGN Council Meeting

10:00AM ~ 11:00AM

Tea Break and Networking
Morning Session II

11:00AM ~ 01:00PM

GGN Council Meeting

01:00PM ~ 03:00PM

Luncheon and Business Talk
Evening Session

03:00PM ~ 10:00PM

GGN Council Meeting
Morning Session I

08:00AM ~ 10:00AM

GGN Ex BM

10:00AM ~ 11:00AM

Tea Break and Networking
Morning Session II

11:00AM ~ 01:00PM

APGN AC Meeting

01:00PM ~ 03:00PM

Luncheon and Business Talk
Evening Session

03:00PM ~ 08:00PM

Registration

08:00PM ~ 10:00PM

Ice Breaking
Morning Session I

08:00AM ~ 10:00AM

Opening Keynote

10:00AM ~ 11:00AM

Tea Break and Networking
Morning Session II

11:00AM ~ 01:00PM

Session 1

01:00PM ~ 03:00PM

Luncheon and Business Talk
Evening Session I

03:00PM ~ 05:00PM

Session 2

05:00PM ~ 6:00PM

Tea Break and Networking
Evening Session II

06:00PM ~ 08:00PM

Forum / Poster
Session / Working Group
Workshop / Youth Program

08:00PM ~ 10:00PM

Opening Dinner
Morning Session I

08:00AM ~ 10:00AM

Session 3

10:00AM ~ 11:00AM

Tea Break and Networking
Morning Session II

11:00AM ~ 01:00PM

Session 4

01:00PM ~ 03:00PM

Luncheon and Business Talk

03:00PM ~ 08:00PM

APGN General Meeting/Election
Evening Session I

03:00PM ~ 05:00PM

Session 5

05:00PM ~ 6:00PM

Tea Break and Networking
Evening Session II

06:00PM ~ 08:00PM

Forum / Poster
Session / Working Group
Workshop / Youth Program

08:00PM ~ 10:00PM

Free & Easy

08:00AM ~ 08:00PM

Mid-Symposium Fieldtrip

08:00PM ~ 10:00PM

Free & Easy
Morning Session I

08:00AM ~ 10:00AM

Session 6

10:00AM ~ 11:00AM

Tea Break and Networking
Morning Session II

11:00AM ~ 01:00PM

Session 7

01:00PM ~ 03:00PM

Luncheon and Business Talk
Evening Session I

03:00PM ~ 05:00PM

Session 8

05:00PM ~ 6:00PM

Tea Break and Networking
Evening Session II

06:00PM ~ 08:00PM

Closing Ceremony

08:00PM ~ 10:00PM

Farewell Dinner

08:00PM ~ 08:00PM

Post-Symposium Tour
· Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark
· Lenggong UNESCO Global Geopark
· Sarawak Delta UNESCO Global Geopark

08:00PM ~ 08:00PM

Post-Symposium Tour
· Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark
· Lenggong UNESCO Global Geopark
· Sarawak Delta UNESCO Global Geopark
Symposium Venue

Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC)

The APGN Symposium 2026 will be held at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC), Langkawi’s premier event venue located just minutes from Langkawi International Airport. Renowned for hosting international gatherings, MIEC offers a modern and accessible setting for this prestigious event.

Bring me there
About APGN

Advancing Geoparks in the Asia-Pacific

The Asia Pacific Geoparks Network (APGN) unites UNESCO Global Geoparks across the region to promote sustainable geotourism, preserve geological and cultural heritage, and foster community-based development.

🎯 Core Objectives of APGN
  • Promote Sustainable Geotourism
    Encourage responsible tourism that protects natural and cultural assets.
  • Support Geopark Development
    Provide training, capacity building, and knowledge sharing.
  • Strengthen Regional Cooperation
    Connect geoparks to collaborate on shared goals.
  • Enhance Education & Awareness
    Advocate for geological heritage and environmental learning.
The APGN Symposium

A flagship event bringing together geopark professionals, researchers, and policymakers to exchange ideas, celebrate achievements, and shape the future of geoparks in the Asia-Pacific region.

About Langkawi UGGp

Malaysia’s Natural & Cultural Treasure

Recognized in 2007 as Malaysia’s first UNESCO Global Geopark, Langkawi is part of the Global Geoparks Network and showcases a rich blend of geological wonders, biodiversity, and cultural heritage in the stunning Langkawi Archipelago.

🌋 Geological & Ecological Highlights

Spanning 478 km², the geopark features ancient karst landscapes, limestone hills, mangroves, rainforests, and coastal wetlands — offering a window into Earth’s history from the Cambrian period onward. It also supports diverse flora and fauna, attracting both researchers and nature lovers.

Collaborative Management for Sustainability

Managed by the Langkawi Geopark Committee (LGC), the geopark promotes sustainable development through partnerships with government bodies, academia, NGOs, and local communities, aligning with UNESCO’s conservation and education goals.

The Planning Powerhouse

Organizing Committee

Information will be updated soon.

Symposium and Geopark Fair Registration

Registration will open soon

Information will be updated soon.

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST
Your Gateway to Paradise

Practical Information

Symposium Venue

Getting to Langkawi

Arrival by Plane

Langkawi International Airport (LGK) has several daily connections to Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Penang International Airport (PEN), or direct flight from Singapore (SIN).

Arrival by Boat

Ferries to Langkawi depart from Kuala Kedah Port (Kedah), Kuala Perlis Port (Perlis) and Tammalang Port (Thailand) daily.

Recommended Accommodation

Information will be updated soon.

INNOVATE CONNECT TRANSFORM⚬