The UNESCO Global Geoparks Council is responsible for assessing revalidated and new UNESCO Global Geopark nominations. It makes the decision on whether new applications should be forwarded to the Executive Board of UNESCO for endorsement. Furthermore it has a key advising role to the Director-General of UNESCO on the strategy, planning and implementation of UNESCO Global Geoparks.

The Council consists of 12 voting members, all high-profile experts chosen for their proven experience, scientific or professional qualifications. In addition the Council has 4 members without the right to vote. These are the Director-General of UNESCO, the President of the GGN, the Secretary-General of the IUGS and the Director-General of the IUCN or their representatives.

The Council meets once a year during a regional or international conference on UNESCO Global Geoparks. The first session of the Council was held in the framework of the 7th International Conference on UNESCO Global Geoparks, in the English Riviera Global Geopark on 24 and 25 September 2016.