On 11-17 November, the city of Dubai in the UAE hosted ICOM’s 27th General Conference; ‘The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities’.
The conference was structured around three core thematic days; Preserve, Adapt, and Catalyse. This framing positioned the conference to explore how museums can effectively Preserve authentic cultural narratives and heritage during times of disruption, Adapt to evolving societal values, demographics, and community needs, and Catalyse for positive change through social innovation and resilience.
The conference was a huge success for ICOM and its hosts, but also provided ICOM UK an important opportunity to raise the profile of our work, and through our team, the chance to strengthen our network and build new relationships with colleagues across the globe.
ICOM UK were represented at the conference by: Co-Chair, Dr Christian Baars; Trustee, Jenny Lea; and Strategic Director, Kristina Broughton, who also served as a panellist for the session titled ‘Ethical Outsourcing: Freelancing and Leadership’.
Our Co-Chair, Christian Baars, shares a message from the conference to ICOM members, emphasising the significance of ICOM’s global network of museums, as well as sharing updates on the ICOM UK 2026 Conference and our commitment to supporting our museum colleagues.
Before the conference officially began on Wednesday, ICOM UK was present at ICOM’s International and National Committee Meetings, and the Advisory. Key decisions and announcements were made at these meetings that impact the future of ICOM.
The theme of the 2026 International Museums Day will be ‘Museums uniting a divided world’
ICOM’s Code of Ethics is entering its final stages of consultation, due to be finally agreed June 2026. This will be followed by the Museum Definition Handbook.
DAY 1: PRESERVE
Honorary Address from HH Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Day 1 of the conference began with the spirit of international camaraderie with warm welcomes from ICOM President Emma Nardi, ICOM Director General Medea S. Ekner, and ICOM UAE Chair Nasir Al Darmaki. There were also Honorary Addresses from HH Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and HE Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi
Discussions and panels from the day focussed on the future of museums, addressing topics like the role of AI in museums, how mentoring can support emerging professionals, and the importance of young people being empowered in the Museum and Heritage sector.
The day was capped off by a spectacular opening event at Expo City that the ICOM UK team enjoyed alongside Martin Daltry OBE, Director of the British Council United Arab Emirates.
From left to right: Kristina Broughton (ICOM UK Strategic Director), Martin Daltry OBE (Director of the British Council United Arab Emirates), Dr. Christian Baars (ICOM UK Co-chair), and Jenny Lea (ICOM UK Trustee)
DAY 2: ADAPT
Baroness Thangam Debbonaire’s Visit
We had the pleasure of Baroness Thangam Debbonaire joining us on Day 2 to attend conference sessions, meet with members of other national committees, and attend the UK Embassy’s Reception in the evening.
The Baroness was interested in exploring the primary role museums have in the work on decolonisation and restitution, including how the process could be accelerated with political and funding support.
In the video (left), our Co-chair Christian speaks to the Baroness about how she came to be at ICOM’s conference, her interest in museums and the role they play in society.
INTERCOM Panel
Kristina Broughton, ICOM UK’s Strategic Director, was part of an INTERCOM panel discussion on outsourcing and freelancing alongside Emilie Girard, President of ICOM France, and Blaise Killian of ICOM Cambodia.
“What struck me was just how similar are the challenges we face, yet, by sharing multiple perspectives, we can carve a path to more logical and informed solutions.”– Kristina Broughton
Kristina has shared her full thoughts on her experience at the conference in her own article here.
INTERCOM panel- Ethical Outsourcing: Freelancing and Leadership
UK Embassy Reception
In the evening, ICOM UK welcomed colleagues and friends to a reception hosted at the British Embassy Dubai. The reception provided a valuable occasion to connect with ICOM UK’s supporters and partners, our hosts in the UAE and many as fellow ICOM members.
Speakers on the night included The Baroness Debbonaire, Dr. Christian Baars, and Sarah Mooney, HM Trade Commissioner for the Middle East and Pakistan and British Consul General to Dubai. All of the speakers acknowledged the power of international cooperation and the role museums have as cultural diplomats, vehicles of soft power and international understanding. The speakers addressed a variety of topics, including the important work around the Decolonisation Guide for Ukraine, delivered through a partnership project between ICOM UK, the British Council, ICOM Ukraine, the Ukrainian Institute and the UK Museums Association. You can read more here.
Baroness Debbonaire at the UK Embassy Reception
DAY 3: CATALYSE
Kristina Broughton and Christian Baars representing ICOM UK
ICOM General Assembly
The General Assembly encompassed the final day of the conference and held several significant announcements. These announcements included the following:
The establishment of new National Committees (Palestine, Rwanda, Sudan) and International Committees.
It was announced that Resolution 5: enhancing emergency preparedness, and Resolution 6: establishment of new Decolonisation Standing Committee were both passed at the Assembly. Both resolutions were supported by ICOM UK.
It was announced that heritage protection funding almost doubled compared to the previous year due to PRISM project (largely EU-funded)
ICOM UK were proud to represent our members in Dubai and look forward to building on the success of the conference by continuing to extend our reach and strengthen our global network through ICOM and beyond.
