PARIS — The International Council of Museums (ICOM) has officially unveiled the composition of the jury for its prestigious Award for Sustainable Development Practice in Museums. This announcement marks a significant step towards recognizing and promoting sustainable practices across the global museum sector, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined in Agenda 2030.
The diverse panel comprises seven experts, including four seasoned museum professionals and two specialists in sustainable development. They are joined by the esteemed chair of the ICOM International Committee on Sustainable Development (ICOM SUSTAIN), who will preside over the jury’s deliberations. Collectively, they bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise crucial to evaluating the submissions.
Museums around the world submitted entries for the award, with the call for applications closing on November 1. These initiatives were then subjected to a thorough completeness check to ensure they match the criteria outlined by ICOM. The projects that made it through this phase will be longlisted, then further narrowed down to a shortlist of the top 25, which will be publicly revealed in July 2025.
The selection criteria for the ICOM Award hinge on the five key dimensions known as the 5 P’s—People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnership. These categories represent a comprehensive approach to sustainability, ensuring that the practices adopted by museums not only enhance their operations but also contribute positively to global sustainability efforts.
The winner of the ICOM Award will be announced at the ICOM General Conference scheduled for November 2025. This event is expected to draw significant attention from the global museum community and sustainability advocates, underlining the importance of integrating sustainable practices in cultural institutions.
This development in the museum sector highlights a growing recognition of the role cultural institutions can play in promoting sustainability. Beyond preserving art and heritage, museums are uniquely positioned to educate the public about sustainable practices and to implement these practices within their operations, setting an example for other institutions.
As the panel of experts gears up to review the projects, the museum community and the general public eagerly anticipate the innovations and initiatives that will emerge from this competition. The ICOM Award not only represents an opportunity to showcase the commitment of museums to sustainable development but also inspires other institutions to integrate these critical practices into their operations.
The ICOM initiative is part of a broader movement towards sustainability in the cultural sector, reflecting a global shift towards more responsible and environmentally conscious practices in all sectors.
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