The 2025 ICOM General Conference registration is in full swing: the world’s biggest and most influential museum conference is taking place in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates from 11-17 November.
The highlight of the main scientific programme at ICOM Dubai 2025 will be keynote presentations by visionaries, innovators and forward-thinkers who will showcase their views on the three aspects of the conference theme ‘The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities’, namely, Intangible Heritage, Youth Power and New Technologies.
‘The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities’ encapsulates the dynamic ever-changing landscape that our communities and museums navigate through today, while three interconnected sub-themes will invite in depth discussions into the safeguarding of intangible heritage, youth power and the rise of new technologies. The general scientific programme will include three themed days:
12 November 2025 – Day 1 ‘Preserve’: considers the critical decisions museums make about which stories, assets, and cultural elements to prioritise, while maintaining their crucial role as stewards of historical truth, authenticity, and accuracy.
13 November 2025 – Day 2 ‘Adapt’: looks at how museums reflect and adapt in response to global shifts in societal values, cultural norms, and demographic changes within communities. It offers actionable insight into how museums can cultivate representative and responsive institutions that serve the changing needs of the public.
14 November 2025 – Day 3 ‘Catalyse’: explores the vital role museums play in helping communities navigate and access opportunities amongst social, economic, and environmental challenges.
The conference highlights will also feature the ICOM Code of Ethics session; ICOM Award for Sustainable Development Practice in Museums session and ceremony; ICOM Stephen E. Weil Memorial Lecture; ICOM, INTERPOL, UNIDROIT session, among others.
ICOM Dubai 2025: Full programme
International Committee’s Day on 15 November is yet another highlight bringing together leading experts from across the museum sector. The International Committees (ICs) are organising its own sessions during ICOM Dubai 2025, offering a rich and multifaceted exploration of the conference theme, from conversations with young museum leaders to imagining new practices and setting sustainable futures.
