ICOM participates in the Aegis Trust Conference

Reconciliation, peacebuilding and the transformative power of justice were at the heart of the talks at the Aegis Trust Conference held in Kigali, Rwanda.

ICOM President Emma Nardi took part in the Aegis Trust Conference 'Listening and Leading: the Art and Science of Peace, Resilience and Transformational Justice' that was held in Kigali, Rwanda from 25th to 28th July. The event commemorated the 30th anniversary since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis in Rwanda and established the foundation of the Isōko Peace Institute. The conference brought together policy-makers, community-builders and peace practitioners to strengthen the cooperation in genocide prevention education and to promote sustainable livelihoods globally.

"What we witnessed at the Kigali Genocide Memorial is beyond words. We are speechless, but after this moment of silence, we must act and find new ways to combat barbarism," said Emma Nardi.

Emma Nardi at the Kigali Genocide Memorial © The Aegis Trust

The ICOM President highlighted the place of museums in tackling the most challenging issues and mitigating conflicts. "I have learned that peace is a goal not to be taken for granted but to be pursued every day through confrontation and dialogue. The same goal ICOM wants to reach with our award about sustainable practices in museums, an initiative that will lead together our National and International Committees, Regional Alliances and the museums that are an important part of our global network. I believe that, all together, we can hope to make a difference."

"Museum collections preserve the past for the future generations and educate their communities." Emma Nardi - ICOM President

Emma Nardi at the ICMEMOHRI Conference © The Aegis Trust

Emma Nardi also welcomed the participants of the ICMEMOHRI 2024 Conference: 'African Memorial and Human Rights Museums Building a More Sustainable Future for Peace'. Topics of discussion focused on decolonisation, the role of literature, graphic novels and new media addressing dissonant histories, and performance as a communication tool in museums and as additional ways and formats for processing the traumatic experiences derived from armed conflict and genocide.

ICOM denounces violence and wars, and promotes inclusive dialogue, peaceful interactions, and constructive approaches. ICOM has also been concerned with the escalating destruction of life and cultural heritage during armed conflict and political instability and issued a joint Declaration on the protection of archives, libraries, museums and heritage places during armed conflicts, together with ICA, IFLA, ICOMOS. Thanks to the dedication and expertise of ICOM's members, who amount to more than 57,000 museum professionals and institutions from 129 countries and territories, the organization has developed scientific and ethical standards to guide museum professionals.

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