The International Council of Museums (ICOM) held its 27th General Conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from November 11 to 17, 2025. The event was the first ICOM General Conference hosted in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia region and drew over 4,500 museum professionals, cultural leaders, and policymakers from around the world.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the conference included participation from high-level UAE officials such as Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture; Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture; and Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of State. Attendees took part in more than 100 panel discussions and workshops focused on how museums can adapt to rapidly changing communities.
Emma Nardi, outgoing President of ICOM (2022–2025), stated: “The conversation that begins here in Dubai will influence how museums engage with the world for years to come.” During her closing speech she also said that the outcomes would “shape the ambitions for actions that will transform the museum sector in the next three years and beyond.”
A key outcome was the election of Antonio Rodríguez (ICOM USA) as ICOM’s new President for 2025–2028. The Executive Board now includes representatives from 16 countries. Two Vice-Presidents were also elected: Nasir Al Darmaki (ICOM UAE) and Tayeebeh Golnaz Golsabahi (ICOM Iran).
One major topic discussed was strengthening global action against illicit trafficking of cultural property. Medea S. Ekner, Director General of ICOM, emphasized: “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.”
ICOM announced plans to launch a joint operational initiative with INTERPOL targeting improved security systems in museums worldwide.
Artificial intelligence was another focus area through a new Global Initiative on Artificial Intelligence and Museums launched jointly by ICOM and UNESCO. This initiative aims to map AI initiatives within museums globally; promote ethical guidance aligned with international standards; and build professional capacity through dialogue and resources.
During a roundtable session at the conference, ICOM’s Standing Committee on Ethics presented updates on revising its Code of Ethics for Museums to reflect evolving values within the profession.
The inaugural ICOM Award for Sustainable Development Practice in Museums was presented to Barbados Museum & Historical Society for its project “Shared Island Stories Between Scotland and the Caribbean: Transnational Youth Exchange,” selected from among 130 submissions across 60 countries.
Rotterdam was chosen as host city for ICOM’s next General Conference in 2028 under the theme “Building Bridges. Connecting Worlds, Cultures and Generations.” The event will include presentation of ICOM’s Strategic Plan for 2028–2034.
At its Ordinary General Assembly during this year’s conference, members adopted six resolutions setting strategic priorities through 2028: empowering future generations via intangible heritage; protecting collections during crises; supporting an equitable digital future; empowering youth engagement towards SDGs; enhancing emergency preparedness; and establishing a standing committee on decolonisation.
“The themes tackled… celebrated the collective commitment of its network to lead change and build bridges between peoples, promoting peace and sustainability,” according to conference organizers.
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