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.
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.
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:
- Empowering Future Generations through Intangible Heritage
- Protection of Museum Collections and Support to Museum Professionals in Times of Crisis
- Positioning Museums for an Equitable, Ethical and Sustainable Digital Future
- Empowering Museums in Achieving the SDGs through Youth, Social Inclusion and Climate Action
- Enhancing Emergency Preparedness in Museums and Promoting Resilient Museums and Communities
- 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.
More Information : https://icom.museum/en/news/outcomes-of-the-27th-icom-general-conference-icom-sets-strategic-direction-for-the-museum-sector/