The International Council of Museums (ICOM) is pleased to reveal a selection of transformative museum initiatives that are defining sustainable development practices in cultural institutions worldwide. Launched in 2023 with an aim to inspire museums and museum professionals worldwide to begin or strengthen their efforts to integrate sustainable development into their practices, the ICOM Award for Sustainable Development Practice in Museums is the first global award that recognises innovative initiatives and exemplary practices that contribute meaningfully to sustainable development within the museum sector. From an impressive pool of 130 longlisted projects spanning 60 countries, the 25 shortlisted candidates represent the ICOM Award Jury’s selection of projects that reflect exemplary museum practices that contribute to the sustainable development of our societies.
“The extraordinary participation in the ICOM Award for Sustainable Development Practices in Museums demonstrates the museum sector’s strong commitment to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Today’s museums are active agents of environmental and social change,” says Emma Nardi, President of ICOM.
The shortlisted projects demonstrate innovation across the different project categories: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace and Partnership (5Ps). The projects were evaluated based on their (i) contribution to Agenda 2030 and SDG targets (ii) Impact and tangible results (iii) Inclusion and (iv) the outcomes of the projects based on the inputs.
Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture and Chairperson of ICOM Dubai 2025 Organising Committee, said: “At ICOM Dubai 2025, we are proud to celebrate museums as keepers of collective heritage and active agents of sustainable change. The ICOM Award for Sustainable Development Practice in Museums serve as a powerful reminder that museums can lead by example, shaping the future through innovation, inclusion, and impact.”
“This award reflects ICOM’s commitment to highlighting the essential role museums play in advancing the global sustainable development agenda. As we face pressing environmental and social challenges, it is vital to recognise how culture and heritage can inspire meaningful change and foster more inclusive, resilient communities around the world,” remarks Nasir Al Darmaki, Chair of ICOM UAE.
The ICOM Jury members are Catherine C. Cole (Canada), Esther Kioko (Kenya), Marcelo Lages Murta (Brazil), Stephanie de Roemer (UK), Nupur Prothi (Sweden/India), José Hernández (Colombia/France), chaired by Morien Rees (Norway). The selected projects showcase how museums can redefine their practice to respond to the different challenges of our current society and engage in achieving specific targets of the Sustainable Development Goals while preserving cultural heritage.
“The ICOM Award is more than recognition – it’s a catalyst for transformation in the museum sector,” emphasises Medea S. Ekner, ICOM Director General. “These pioneering institutions are showing us that sustainable development and cultural heritage preservation aren’t competing priorities – they’re intrinsically linked.”
Winners will be announced at the inaugural ICOM Award ceremony at the 27th ICOM General Conference – ICOM Dubai 2025 (11–17 November) themed ‘The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities’, where they will present their inspiring initiatives to the global museum community. The Conference’s interconnected sub-themes invite in-depth discussions into the safeguarding of intangible heritage, youth power and the rise of new technologies.
Explore the Shortlisted projects on the Interactive Map! Zoom in and click on the pins to access more information about the 25 finalists:
