On June 6th, the Alashan Desert World Geological Park Administration participated in a special event for welcoming new members to the World Geological Park Family, jointly organized by UNESCO and the World Geological Park Network. This event featured the addition of 18 new world geological parks, bringing the total number of world geological parks worldwide to 195.

The welcoming event was hosted by Professor Burkhard Buttkus, Chair of the World Geological Park Network. Representatives from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the World Geological Park Network Council delivered opening remarks. The 18 newly admitted members of the world geological parks showcased their distinctive geological features and local cultures through presentations and promotional videos. The newly added UNESCO World Geoparks include: Casa Pavia (Brazil), Quatá Colonia (Brazil), Lavrio Titik (Greece), Ijen (Indonesia), Maros Punggol (Indonesia), Panjang Melangin (Indonesia), Raja Ampat (Indonesia), Aras (Iran), Tabas (Iran), Shirakawa Gorge (Japan), Kinabalu (Malaysia), Waitaha Pahiatua White Stone (New Zealand), Sandøland (Norway), Palawan (Philippines), Gyeongbuk West Coast (South Korea), Cabo de Gata (Spain), Khon Kaen (Thailand), Moine-Tulloch-Strangford (UK).