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Get Involved with GEO

Join GEO and become part of a global community addressing the world’s most pressing challenges through Earth Intelligence.

The Group on Earth Observations (GEO) is a unique, collaborative platform uniting governments, international organisations, research institutions, businesses and civil society to leverage Earth Intelligence for a more sustainable and resilient future. By joining GEO, you become a part of a diverse network working across sectors and disciplines to tackle complex global challenges with coordinated and impactful solutions.

Guidelines for engaging new GEO Members, Participating Organisations, and Associates

Download the guidelines document for Regional GEOs representatives as well as National GEOs representatives for engaging a prospective GEO Member, Participating Organisation, or Associate.

Guidelines document

Why Join GEO?

1. Collaborate with a global network of innovators
GEO’s strength lies in its role as a convener. By joining GEO, you will connect with experts, decision-makers and innovators from around the world who are driving the development and application of Earth intelligence. Together, we align efforts to deliver actionable insights for real-world impact.
2. Address pressing global challenges
From climate change and disaster resilience to sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation, GEO’s initiatives tackle the interconnected challenges shaping our future. As a GEO member or partner, you will be contributing to solutions that benefit communities, economies and ecosystems globally.
3. Access and contribute to cutting-edge Earth Intelligence
GEO facilitates access to an unparalleled wealth of Earth observation data, tools and services. By participating in GEO’s initiatives, you gain opportunities to shape global standards, influence data governance and harness Earth intelligence for your own priorities.
4. Demonstrate leadership in sustainability
Membership in GEO positions your organisation as a leader in leveraging technology and collaboration for sustainable development. Showcase your commitment to addressing urgent environmental challenges and aligning with global frameworks like the SDGs, the Paris Agreement and the Sendai Framework.

Next Steps

Join as a Member Government
Join as a Member Government
Membership in GEO is open to all member States of the United Nations and to the European Commission. All members fit within an existing regional caucus.
To join GEO as a Member, Member States of the United Nations are invited to send a letter from a Minister or Cabinet-level Official to the GEO Secretariat informing their intention to join GEO and endorsement of GEO Post-2025 Strategy "Earth Intelligence for All". Contact secretariat@geosec.org in order to proceed with the formal membership procedure. Read more about GEO Member Governments
Join as a Participating Organisation
Join as a Participating Organisation
GEO welcomes, as Participating Organizations, organisations with a global or regional (multi-country) mandate and scope of operations that have an active interest in, or are a user of Earth observations, information and services.
To be recognised as a Participating Organisation of GEO, entities must send an application to the GEO Secretariat. Candidates must identify their proposed contributions to GEO, including, but not limited to, involvement in the GEO Work Programme, and/or the function performed by their organisation that would benefit the broader community of Earth observation users and advance the vision of GEO.
GEO does not require compulsory fees, encouraging voluntary contributions and programmatic support instead. Read more about GEO Partcipating Organisations
Join as an Associate
Join as an Associate
GEO welcomes, as GEO Associates, commercial firms and national associations of commercial firms, as well as non-governmental, not-for-profit and civil society organisations with a national or sub-national mandate or scope of operations related to Earth observations. GEO Associates must be registered in the territory of a GEO Member State, and do not participate in the governance of GEO.
Associates can participate in the GEO Work Programme activities by partnering with GEO Members and other organisations to join existing initiatives or launch new initiatives.
To be recognised as a GEO Associate, candidates must send an application to the GEO Secretariat. Eligible candidates must demonstrate two or more years of substantive involvement with GEO either through an activity in the GEO Work Programme or through active participation in events that advance the GEO vision. Candidates should also identify their proposed contributions to GEO, which must be self-funded and sustained.

Job Opportunities

GEO Director, D-2

Fixed Term Position

The position is located within the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) Secretariat. The Director will lead, facilitate and support activities of the Group on Earth Observations (GEO), based on the direction and supervision provided by the GEO Executive Committee. The GEO Secretariat Director is accountable to the WMO Secretary-General for administrative matters in accordance with WMO Financial and Staff Rules and Regulations.

Application deadline: 07 Jul 2026

Supporting GEO through Secondments

The Group on Earth Observations (GEO) Secretariat invites experts from GEO Members and GEO Participating Organisations to make a direct impact through our secondment programme.

In the current budget-constrained environment, the expertise and energy brought by secondees are more essential than ever, making a profound and immediate impact. This contribution is vital for strengthening the GEO Secretariat's ability to maintain and grow its core activities and services for the global community. It provides a valuable opportunity for both the experts and their home institution.

For GEO Members & GEO Participating Organisations: By seconding an employee, your institution can contribute directly to the vision and mission of GEO, providing a unique channel to engage with GEO’s evolving priorities, projects and global partnerships.

For Secondees: This is a unique professional development opportunity. You will work at the heart of international collaboration, make a transformative contribution to global challenges, and gain invaluable experience.

Secondments can be based at our headquarters in Geneva or undertaken virtually.

Current priority opportunities

We are currently seeking nominations for suitable candidates in the areas of Communications & Partnerships; GEO Work Programme Support; Member Services Support; and Event Support. Each role offers a meaningful opportunity for a secondee to make a lasting contribution.

Please consider these opportunities and explore possibilities within your institution, partner agency or network.

GEO Principals and GEO Focal Points roles in GEO

GEO Principals and GEO Focal Points are at the core of how GEO engages with its Members and Participating Organisations. Together, they ensure strong national coordination, active participation in GEO governance, and effective communication with the GEO Secretariat.

While GEO Principals provide senior-level strategic and political leadership, GEO Focal Points ensure day-to-day coordination, administration, and information management to support that engagement.

Read more about their roles

Contacts

GEO Secretariat staff would be pleased to explain the various opportunities available and help you to find the best match for your interests.

Contact us