On the morning of September 7, 2022, the 7th International Conference of the Asia-Pacific Global Geoparks Network (APGN7) officially opened at the UNESCO Satun Geopark, Thailand.

The conference took place from September 5-11, 2022, with the participation of more than 500 delegates (including 350 direct delegates and 200 online delegates), who are scientists, geopark managers and representatives of government agencies of 60 countries around the world. The main theme of APGN7 is: “Building sustainable communities” divided into 7 discussion topics, specifically:

(1) Sustainable development goals of the Geopark;

(2) Mitigation of geological hazards;

(3) Biodiversity and Geoparks;

(4) Geoparks and sustainable tourism;

(5) Raising public awareness of the Geopark;

(6) Indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage in the Geopark area;

(7) Potential Geopark.

As a new member of the Global Geopark Network, in addition to actively participating in activities within the framework of the Conference, the Dak Nong delegation actively and proactively learned, met and connected with members of the Regional Network to expand international cooperation and exchange. The activities of the Dak Nong delegation included:

1. Meeting of the Global Geopark Network Coordinating Board in the Asia-Pacific region;

2. Participating in the election of the Global Geopark Network Coordinating Board in the Asia-Pacific region;

3. Participating in the meeting of candidates defending their dossiers to host the 8th Global Geopark Network Conference in the Asia-Pacific region in 2024;

4. Participating in the Opening Ceremony of the Conference;

5. Attending thematic workshops and presenting papers at the Workshop with the theme “Volcanic wonders and volcanic caves of Dak Nong UNESCO Geopark;

6. Signing a memorandum of understanding with Dak Nong UNESCO Geopark Maros Pangkep (Indonesia);

7. Connecting and inviting to attend the International Conference on Volcanic Caves (ISV20) hosted by Dak Nong

8. Proposing ideas for establishing a thematic group in the Regional Network;

9. Field visits within the framework of APGN7

10. Attending the closing ceremony of the Conference

11. Participating in the fair and exhibition of documents, publications, and typical specialties of Dak Nong UNESCO Geopark arranged by the Organizing Committee. Assigning staff to take turns providing information and images of Dak Nong UNESCO Geopark to delegates and visitors.

In addition, the Dak Nong delegation also learned some valuable experiences in organizing international events to prepare for the International Conference on Volcanic Caves (ISV20) to take place in November 2022 in Dak Nong.

Dak Nong delegation arranged documents, publications, and typical products of Dak Nong Geopark at the exhibition booth.