Interview: Medea Ekner, Director General of International Council of Museums (ICOM)
1. Tell us about the vision that led to the establishment of ICOM and its mission.
ICOM was established with the vision of fostering international collaboration and knowledge exchange among museums and museum professionals to preserve and communicate the world’s diverse cultural heritage. Our mission is to advance the global role of museums as trusted public institutions, diligently safeguarding both tangible and intangible heritage while ensuring their relevance in a rapidly changing world. We are committed to supporting museums in their engagement with sustainable development, climate action, and promoting intercultural dialogue.
2. Tell us about your educational and professional background and the initiatives you have implemented at ICOM around climate change, digitisation, global collaboration that blends innovation with respect for cultural heritage, ensuring that museums remain relevant and vital in the modern world.
I am a future-oriented museum strategist and leadership specialist with 25 years of experience in the art and museum sector. My background empowers me to drive innovation in museums, facilitating change and transformation, promoting culture-driven urban development, and addressing climate adaptation. I am passionate about tackling the challenges that global organisations face in a rapidly changing world.
Prioritising digital transformation is essential for moving forward, particularly in addressing global challenges that impact cultural heritage and the communities connected to it. I firmly believe that museums can serve as valuable knowledge partners at all levels of society. The relevance and potential impact of culture-driven transformation, along with digital innovation, are crucial in fostering technical development that adheres to the highest standards of accountability and excellence.
3. Tell us about ICOM’s involvement with climate change and the role of museums in addressing the climate crisis. How many museums have Climate Change-related educational and artistic programming in the world?
ICOM advocates for the critical role of museums in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development. As influential platforms, museums are actively providing programmes related to sustainable development, climate change, and environmental justice worldwide to enhance climate literacy and accelerate climate action and preparedness. As museums expand their involvement in climate-related initiatives, they are positioned as leaders in fostering awareness and inspiring action towards a sustainable future.
Guided by our 2019 Kyoto resolution—which is to work towards empowering museums, their visitors, and communities to take positive steps towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals—we are committed to our role of representing the voice of museums
globally. In this role, ICOM advocates that national governments prioritise the inclusion of museums and culture in their climate action plans.
4. Tell us about ICOM’s collaboration with the Climate Heritage Network and the COP29 programming.
ICOM is an active member of the Climate Heritage Network (CHN), where we advocate for the inclusion of culture and cultural heritage in climate policy and planning at all levels. By partnering with coalitions of like-minded culture organisations through the CHN and supporting movements such as the Global Call to Put Culture and Heritage at the Heart of Climate Action, ICOM aims to amplify the role of cultural institutions in shaping sustainable climate solutions.
At COP29, ICOM took part in the 2nd High-Level Ministerial Dialogue for Culture-Based Action as a Knowledge Partner with the Group of Friends of Culture-Based Climate Action. We advocate for the expertise of museums and museum professionals in the technical aspects of this crucial initiative. Additionally, we encourage national governments to support their museums in taking action against climate change and to include culture and heritage in national climate action plans.
5. Tell us about ICOM’s collaboration with Action for Climate Empowerment and the COP29 programming.
Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE) is a crucial framework for promoting education, training, and public awareness on climate change, and museums are central to this. They provide spaces for climate education and raise public awareness. At COP29, ICOM highlighted the importance of cultural institutions in fostering climate literacy and advocacy, ensuring that cultural heritage plays a vital role in shaping the future of climate action.
6. Tell us about International Museum Day (IMD), which is celebrated annually on 18 May and is organised by ICOM to raise awareness about the role of museums in society and highlight their importance in cultural exchange, enrichment, and mutual understanding. How can people get involved?
International Museum Day (IMD) is an important initiative organised by ICOM each year to celebrate museums' vital role in promoting cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
Looking ahead to 2025, the theme for IMD will be “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities.” This theme reflects the rapid transformation of the world around us and the evolving role museums play within communities. It will focus on safeguarding intangible heritage, empowering youth, and exploring the rise of new technologies, encouraging museums and their communities to collaborate in shaping the future. As we
approach the ICOM General Conference in Dubai 2025, museums will be at the forefront of innovation, using technology to preserve heritage and strengthen community ties.
To get involved, museums will organise events, engage with local and global audiences through social media, and participate in our interactive map. I encourage everyone to join us in these celebrations and help highlight museums' vital contributions to society. As IMD is one of the biggest museum events in the world, tips for involvement will be highly communicated through ICOM channels from early next year!
7. Anything else you would like to add?
As we look ahead, it is crucial for cultural institutions to continue embracing their responsibility in addressing the global climate crisis. Museums have the power to shape minds, influence policies, and inspire sustainable change. ICOM is committed to supporting museums worldwide as they evolve and take on this important role in society. Collaboration with international partners and continued advocacy for culture-based climate action are key to our shared success.
ICOM is launching a transformative initiative, the ICOM Award for Sustainable Development Practice in Museums, the first global award recognising museums’ contributions to sustainable development. This award will celebrate museums that implement impactful sustainable development actions and showcase their innovative projects. Beyond recognition, it will serve as a valuable resource for museums worldwide to adopt sustainable development practices. Award recipients will gain visibility, connect with like-minded professionals, and inspire transformative change in the museum sector.
The ICOM Academy is another transformative initiative of ICOM, empowering capacity building and nurturing new skills and education within the museum and heritage sector.
Together, we can work towards a more sustainable, inclusive, and impactful future for the museum sector.
8. How can people reach you?
People can reach me through the ICOM Secretariat on www.icom.museum and ICOM’s official social media platforms. At ICOM, we encourage open dialogue and collaboration, and we are always happy to connect with those who share a commitment to museums and sustainable development.
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