In response to member interest in 2000, ASTD took steps to develop a structure for local convening among ASTD members outside of the United States. "Global Networks" - a variation of ASTD's U.S. chapter model - serve as the framework for member networking and affiliation with ASTD.

ASTD seeks to build a global community of practice, combined with local presence and action, all of which is aligned toward the larger purpose of advancing work-related learning for individuals, organizations, and society. Through Global Networks, ASTD fulfills the following objectives:

• To respond to interest among ASTD members outside the United States for local structures that offer convening and networking under ASTD's name.
• To offer a mechanism for human resource development professionals to meet and learn from one another in countries where a professional association in training and development may not exist.
• To facilitate the exchange of knowledge, resources, and perspectives among international and U.S.-based ASTD members.
• To further ASTD's international activities, membership and presence outside the United States.