Application deadline: September 30, 2024
The International Council of Museums (ICOM) announces a call for applications for the first global award for sustainable development practice in museums.
ICOM is proud to announce the call for applicants for the first global award promoting sustainable development practices within the museum community. With the Award, ICOM reinforces its commitment to UN’s Agenda 2030 by being at the forefront of change within the museum sector and inspires an accelerated development of sustainable practices leading to long-term changes for the museum sector and our collective future.
“Accessible and inclusive, museums foster diversity and sustainability. We are welcoming a diverse range of submissions from every museum type, addressing various sustainable development goals. I am proud to celebrate a best practice sustainable initiative with our worldwide community.” —Emma Nardi, ICOM President.
“ICOM advocates for the role and responsibility of museums in shaping sustainable futures for all. In line with ICOM’s Resolution No.1 adopted at the 34th ICOM General Assembly, ‘On sustainability and the implementation of Agenda 2030, Transforming our World’, the ICOM Award brings a platform for museums to embrace the UN Sustainable Development Goals.” —Medea Ekner, ICOM Director General.
The ICOM Award receives entries judged by an international jury based on the five dimensions of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals, deemed the 5 P’s: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace and Partnership. The application process is open to museums that are ICOM Members in good standing for the years 2023 and 2024. The ICOM Award ceremony will take place at the 27th ICOM General Conference in November 2025 in Dubai, where the global museum community will meet to set the direction of the museum sector for the next three years.
In addition to recognising outstanding efforts, the award aims to serve as a capacity-building initiative for museums worldwide. It encourages museums to submit their applications, thereby showcasing and demonstrating the diverse ways they are contributing to a better future. This initiative promotes learning across the sector, building on good practices, and fostering an environment of shared growth and development.
Discover more about the ICOM Award and start your application here.
Why apply
Global recognition: Showcase your institution or initiative on the world stage as a leader in sustainable development
Network building: Connect with like-minded professionals, institutions, and experts from around the globe, fostering collaboration and shared learning.
Inspire change: Demonstrate the impact of your efforts and inspire others in the museum sector to embrace and strengthen their commitment to sustainable development.
Who can apply
If your museum has successfully implemented sustainable development actions and completed the project, ICOM wants to hear from you!
–Submissions will be judged based on the impact created by the project. Initiatives should demonstrate clear results, outcomes, or impact.
–ICOM is looking for a diverse range of submissions, from different museum types, addressing different sustainable development challenges.
–Submissions are especially encouraged from small museums, small projects, and those that have pushed the boundaries of ‘standard’ museum practice.
Applications for the ICOM Award will be accepted until 30 September. For information about the application process, visit the ICOM website and follow the newly launched ICOM Award social media accounts on Instagram and LinkedIn.
Discover more about the ICOM Award and start your application here.
About the International Council of Museums (ICOM)
The International Council of Museums is an international organisation of museums and museum professionals which is committed to the research, conservation, continuation and communication to society of the world’s natural and cultural heritage, present and future, tangible and intangible. As a network of experts, comprising over 57 000 professionals in 129 countries and territories, ICOM makes recommendations on issues related to cultural heritage, promotes capacity building and advances knowledge. ICOM is the voice of museum professionals on an international stage and raises public cultural awareness through global networks and co-operation programmes.
Press contact
Christian Kraugerud Søberg, Head of Communications and Public Relations department, communication [at] icom.museum
