Outcomes of the 27th ICOM General Conference: ICOM Sets Strategic Direction for the Museum Sector

The 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums (ICOM), held on 11-17 November, in Dubai, UAE, under the theme “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities,” brought a series of major outcomes that will guide ICOM’s work in the coming years. With thousands of participants from across the globe, the conference reaffirmed ICOM’s global leadership in shaping the future of museums and cultural heritage.

The 27th ICOM General Conference – ICOM Dubai 2025 made history as the first ever held in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region. Over 4,500 museum professionals, cultural leaders, and policymakers from around the world convened in Dubai, transforming the emirate into a vibrant global hub of cultural dialogue and collaboration. The conference was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and was attended by high-profile dignitaries and UAE government leaders including Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture, alongside Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture, and Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of State — further reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to advancing the museum sector.

Over the week-long conference, delegates engaged in more than 100 panel discussions, workshops, and forums addressing how museums can innovate and serve their communities in times of rapid change. Beyond the conference halls, thousands of participants went on curated excursions across all seven emirates, immersing themselves in the UAE’s rich heritage and museum landscape. “The conversation that begins here in Dubai will influence how museums engage with the world for years to come,” remarked now former ICOM President Emma Nardi, capturing the event’s forward-looking spirit. The conference culminated in a celebratory closing that saw Antonio Rodríguez elected as the new ICOM President and the ceremonial ICOM flag passed to Rotterdam, host of the 28th ICOM General Conference in 2028. With its high attendance and landmark initiatives, ICOM Dubai 2025 has been hailed as a resounding success, setting a new benchmark for museum-focused gatherings worldwide.

Strengthening Global Action Against Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Property

Recent incidents of theft in museums have deeply shocked both the museum community and the wider public. These events have underscored the urgent need for coordinated international action to safeguard cultural heritage.

“ICOM remains fully committed to advancing strategies and operational measures aimed at protecting cultural property and combating illicit trafficking. A key priority is the development and deployment of digital tools that enhance prevention, monitoring, and response capacities for museums and cultural institutions worldwide,” said Medea S. Ekner, ICOM Director General.

The fight against illicit trafficking is rooted in strong partnerships. ICOM’s long-standing collaboration with UNESCO, UNIDROIT and INTERPOL forms the backbone of our global efforts in this area. Their active participation at the 27th ICOM General Conference in Dubai reaffirmed the strength and effectiveness of this shared commitment.

New Joint Initiative with INTERPOL

ICOM is launching a joint operational initiative with INTERPOL. This initiative intends to target museums worldwide, supporting them in strengthening their security systems and reinforcing collective efforts to prevent the theft and illicit movement of cultural goods.

Artificial Intelligence and Museums: Launch of the ICOM–UNESCO Global Initiative

In a dedicated dialogue with UNESCO, including Krista Pikkat, Director for Culture and Emergencies, ICOM advanced discussions on the role of artificial intelligence in museums and cultural heritage. Together, ICOM and UNESCO announced the new Global Initiative on Artificial Intelligence and Museums, reflecting the organisations’ shared commitment to ensuring that AI technologies support museums ethically, inclusively and sustainably.

The initiative will focus on three core areas:

• Mapping and connecting global AI initiatives within the museum sector
• Promoting ethical guidance aligned with UNESCO’s 2021 Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, the ICOM Code of Ethics, and the 2015 UNESCO Recommendation on Museums
• Building professional capacity through dialogue, peer learning, policy guidance and practical resources

Advancing Global Ethical Standards: ICOM Code of Ethics Revision

The ICOM Code of Ethics for Museums is ICOM’s essential reference text, guiding museum professionals worldwide. At the 27th ICOM General Conference, the Standing Committee on Ethics (ETHCOM) presented the latest stage of the Code’s ongoing revision, which responds to evolving professional values and global challenges.

During a dedicated Roundtable session, ETHCOM outlined the main directions of the revision and engaged members through an open Q&A exchange. This dialogue reaffirmed that the Code is a living document shaped by the collective expertise and shared ethical responsibilities of the global museum community.

The updated Code will continue to serve as the ethical foundation of the museum profession, strengthening ICOM’s commitment to accountability, inclusiveness and trust.

Leadership Transition and Strategic Direction

At the 40th Ordinary General Assembly held during the ICOM Dubai 2025 General Conference on 14 November, members elected the Executive Board for the 2025–2028 term. Antonio Rodríguez (ICOM USA) was elected President of ICOM, bringing extensive experience across the organisation’s governance and committee structure, including his recent mandate as Chair of the Advisory Council (2022–2025). He succeeds Emma Nardi, who concludes her presidency following her election at the ICOM Prague 2022 General Conference. In her closing speech marking the end of her 2022–2025 mandate, former ICOM President Emma Nardi expressed gratitude for “four outstanding days of close cooperation and fruitful discussions nourished by the incredible hospitality of our hosts and the city of Dubai,” and emphasised that the conference outcomes will “shape the ambitions for actions that will transform the museum sector in the next three years and beyond.”

The General Assembly elected two Vice-Presidents: Nasir Al Darmaki (ICOM UAE), former Chair of ICOM UAE and Deputy Director of the ICCROM Regional Centre in Sharjah, and Tayeebeh Golnaz Golsabahi (ICOM Iran), who enters her third consecutive term on the Executive Board. Their appointments reflect the organisation’s commitment to balanced global representation and strengthened leadership across its network. The newly elected Executive Board represents 16 countries and includes a Treasurer, twelve Ordinary Members, and the leadership of the Advisory Council.

Recognising Innovation and Sustainable Practice

The General Conference also highlighted the announcement of the inaugural ICOM Award for Sustainable Development Practice in Museums, presented to the Barbados Museum & Historical Society (BMHS) for its project “Shared Island Stories Between Scotland and the Caribbean: Transnational Youth Exchange” (UKRI grant no. EP/X023036/1). Selected from 130 submissions across 60 countries, the initiative stood out for its creative, community-driven approach to addressing interconnected challenges faced by island communities — including climate emergency, coastal erosion, at-risk youth, heritage decline, and economic instability.

The project exemplifies youth empowerment, transnational collaboration, and sustainability-centred museum practice, reflecting how museums can meaningfully contribute to the UN 2030 Agenda. Alongside the winning initiative, four finalists — STAM Ghent City Museum (Belgium), the Museums Association of Namibia, the National Gallery of Victoria (Australia), and the Ars Aevi Museum of Contemporary Art (Sarajevo) — were also recognised for their innovative contributions to sustainable development within the museum sector.

Looking Ahead: Rotterdam to Host ICOM General Conference in 2028

The General Assembly of ICOM has elected Rotterdam, the Netherlands, as the host city of the 28th ICOM General Conference, which will take place in 2028. Held every three years since 1948, the General Conference is the largest global gathering of museum professionals, offering a platform for dialogue, exchange and innovation.

During the 40th session of the General Assembly, members selected Rotterdam following ICOM Netherlands’ winning bid under the theme “Building Bridges. Connecting Worlds, Cultures and Generations.” Caroline Breunesse, Chair of ICOM Netherlands, pointed out that ICOM Netherlands was proud to host the event.

The 2028 conference will explore how museums can serve as bridge builders in a changing world – linking people, perspectives and communities in the face of climate change, digital transformation and social polarisation. Building on the legacy of ICOM Dubai 2025, it will also mark an important milestone for the organisation as it will host the presentation and adoption of the ICOM Strategic Plan 2028–2034.

Adopted Resolutions: Setting ICOM’s Strategic Direction 2025–2028

At the 40th Ordinary General Assembly, members adopted six resolutions that collectively define ICOM’s strategic priorities for the 2025–2028 period. The six resolutions adopted are as follows:

1. Empowering Future Generations through Intangible Heritage
2. Protection of Museum Collections and Support to Museum Professionals in Times of Crisis
3. Positioning Museums for an Equitable, Ethical and Sustainable Digital Future
4. Empowering Museums in Achieving the SDGs through Youth, Social Inclusion and Climate Action
5. Enhancing Emergency Preparedness in Museums and Promoting Resilient Museums and Communities
6. Establishment of a Standing Committee on Decolonisation

Together, these six resolutions reflect the collective priorities of ICOM’s global membership and set a clear course for the organisation’s work in the years ahead.

A Collective Commitment to the Future of Museums

The 27th ICOM General Conference – ICOM Dubai 2025 demonstrated the importance and relevance of the themes tackled, from youth empowerment to heritage protection and innovation, and celebrated the collective commitment of its network to lead change and build bridges between peoples, promoting peace and sustainability.