The International Council of Museums (ICOM) concluded its Annual Meetings this week, marking a significant milestone for the global museum network.
Held on 11 and 12 June 2024, these hybrid meetings, hosted at the Mucem in Marseille and online, highlighted ICOM’s commitment to advancing museum practices, fostering international collaboration, and addressing contemporary challenges in the sector.
“Museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures, cooperation, and peace. Today, these objectives are more relevant than ever.” Emma Nardi, ICOM President
Strengthening Global Governance: Advisory Council and General Assembly
The meetings convened key stakeholders, including the 96th Session of the Advisory Council and the 39th Ordinary General Assembly. These governing bodies play crucial roles in shaping the future of museums worldwide. The Advisory Council, chaired by Antonio Rodríguez with Vice-Chair Eunice Báez Sánchez, acts as a strategic advisory body, providing recommendations and overseeing various ICOM activities. Meanwhile, the General Assembly, presided over by ICOM President Emma Nardi, serves as the principal decision-making body, ratifying significant proposals.
This period also provided an opportunity for the Executive Board to meet in person to make strategic and operational decisions based on the outcomes of the statutory meetings. These gatherings also marked the appointment of Medea Ekner as General Director.
Thematic Hubs: Addressing Contemporary Challenges
Complementing the formal sessions, thematic clusters provided platforms for in-depth discussions on pressing issues. Participants engaged in interactive workshops on decolonisation, the revision of the Code of Ethics, the ICOM Award for Sustainable Development Practice in Museums, the review of the ICOM Strategic Plan 2022-2028, and discussions led by the Strategic Allocation Review Committee (SAREC). With visits to the collections of the Mucem, cultural outings, and convivial moments, these meetings created synergy among participants, enriching ICOM’s work and supporting museum activities worldwide.
“Decolonisation has different meanings from different part of the world and different communities. We need to take it into consideration.” Terry Simioti Nyambe, Executive Board Member.
Through robust discussions, strategic planning, and the celebration of innovative practices, ICOM continues to foster a collaborative and ethical museum environment. These meetings not only showcased ICOM’s achievements but also set a clear path for future endeavors, ensuring that museums worldwide remain vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable.
