CIMUSET Programme for ICOM 2025 now available

ICOM 2025 brings together museum professionals from all over the world in Dubai, United Arabic Emirates, from 11 to 17 November 2025. The main theme will be “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities“. As always, the 27th General Conference also features individual days of different ICOM committees such as the International Committee for Museums and Collections of Science and Technology. Here’s what to expect on 15 November 2025.

The main theme chosen for the General Conference, ‘The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities,’ encapsulates the dynamic ever-changing landscape that communities and museums worldwide navigate through today, with three interconnected sub-themes that will invite in-depth discussions into the safeguarding of intangible heritage, youth power, and the rise of new technologies.
ICOM 2025 Website

In line with this approach, the programme of CIMUSET’s Day features a mix of panel rounds, the CIMUSET Award, and a tour through “Terra” the pavilion designed for the Expo 2020 and turned into an immersive experience on sustainability and the development of the city of Dubai.

In the first session speakers from Bangladesh, Denmark, Japan, South Korea and India will dive into their approaches to “New Directions for Science Museums”. Among others, Vismay Rava will share how indigenous knowledge support approaches in museum storage today. This is also in line with the general matter of de-colonising museums. Another talk by Yoshikazu Ogawa proposes a lifelong learning system with the aim of promoting wellbeing in the context of the social role of science museums.

The second session “Re-interpreting Industrial Pasts” highlights museum’s actions on drawing visions for the future and using their past to educate on sustainability and community building. Examples will be shared from Poland, Iran, Slovenia, Germany and Croatia.

Following a break, “Connecting to Communities” provides participants with examples from Estonia, India and the USA. Approaches to accessibility for visitors, working together for ocean preservation, and reaching out to educate beyond the museum walls shape this third and final session.

Furthermore, CIMUSET will hold its General Assembly. This includes the annual report as well as the new strategic working group. Additionally, the composition of the board and including aviation museums in the network are on the agenda.

Concluding the Day, a guided tour of the “Terra” grounds will introduce participants to the concepts and offers of the Expo 2020 pavilion and its current state. Afterwards, dinner awaits CIMUSET Members.

Among others, IATM’s President Joachim Breuninger will also attend ICOM 2025. Please join for a chat!

For an overview of the complete programme, please follow this link.