ICOM Amplifies Culture’s Voice at COP29 in Baku

ICOM takes part in the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference - COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, where culture and cultural heritage is elevated as integral components of climate action

"ICOM advocates for and supports the full integration of culture into climate action plans on all levels,"said ICOM Director General Medea S. Ekner, reflecting the organisation's commitment.

At the heart of ICOM's efforts is the recognition that museums globally are uniquely positioned to advance the 2030 Agendaand foster sustainable development. Through its 2019 Resolution on Sustainable Development, ICOM has called on its members to actively engage with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), both locally and globally. Museums, as trusted public institutions, play a key role in Action for Climate Empowerment, promoting education, public awareness, training, public access to information, and international cooperation.

A key moment at COP29 was ICOM's participation in the 2nd High-Level Ministerial Dialogue for Culture-Based Action, hosted by the COP29 Presidencyand the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan, in collaboration with the Group of Friends of Culture-Based Climate Action (GFCBCA).

This dialogue showcased significant advances in recognizing the role of culture in climate action at COP28, such as the inclusion of cultural heritage in the Global Goal on Adaptation-a milestone in integrating culture into international climate strategies-and the launch of the Group of Friends of Culture-Based Climate Action.

The 2nd High-Level Ministerial Dialogue for Culture-Based Action meeting. ICOM Director General Medea S. Ekner participating in the 2nd High-Level Ministerial Dialogue for Culture-Based Action meeting.

During the event, HRH Princess Dana Firas of Jordan, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and Climate Heritage Network Special Envoy, delivered a call to action:
"The culture advances at COP28 were supported by an unprecedented mobilisation of global civil society that saw over 1,500 organisations and leaders sign the Global Call to Put Culture and Heritage, the Arts and Creative Industries at the Heart of Climate Action. The movement continues to grow with cultural voices from across the globe united in an urgent call for climate negotiators to take the necessary steps to enable culture to contribute fully to climate solutions."

As a member of the Climate Heritage Network and active participant in the GFCBCA, ICOM supports the request that the UNFCCC subsidiary bodies hold workshops to consider issues related to culture and heritage before their session in Bonn in 2025.

As an informal coalition of stakeholders, GFCBCA continues to promote coordinated advocacyand inclusive dialogueamong states, knowledge partners, and other stakeholders.

Panel discussion.

In addition to this pivotal dialogue, ICOM attended high-level meetingswith policymakers, heritage and museum professionals, and international partners to advocate for integrating cultural perspectives into climate policies. Representing the ICOM Secretariat and network, ICOM Director General Medea S. Eknerhighlighted the organisation's commitment to uniting the global museum community in addressing the climate crisis.

"Strengthening collaborations between ICOM and initiatives of all scales is essential to mobilise the museum community as a unified force, driving meaningful and collective action to address the climate crisis,"says Medea S. Ekner.

ICOM looks forward to continuing its collaboration with partners to deepen the integration of climate considerations into action plans on all levels. The Emirates Declaration on Climate and Cultural Heritage, adopted at COP28 and supported by GFCBCA, remains a guiding framework for advancing this work.

ICOM extends its heartfelt gratitude to the COP29 Presidency for their leadership, the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan, and the Group of Friends of Culture-Based Climate Action. Special thanks go to the United Arab Emiratesand Brazilfor their co-leadership of GFCBCA and their continued efforts to include culture in global climate frameworks.

As preparations begin for COP30 in Brazil, ICOM reaffirms its commitment to supporting cultural and heritage-based solutionsto the climate crisis and strengthening its collaborations with sister organisations worldwideto enhance the role of Knowledge Partners of GFCBCA. ICOM anticipated reviewing the COP agreement sheduled for presentation on November 22.

Cultural leaders, organisations, ministries and initiators united at COP29 to amplify the role of culture and heritage in climate action. Here before the 2nd 2nd High-Level Ministerial Dialogue for Culture-Based Action, hosted by the COP29 Presidency and the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan, in collaboration with the Group of Friends of Culture-Based Climate Action (GFCBCA).

The Conference of the Parties (COP)is the supreme decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), established in 1992. Bringing together nations, organisations, and stakeholders from around the world, COP provides a platform for negotiating and implementing global strategies to combat climate change.

ICOM's participation in COP aligns with its Strategic Plan 2022-2028 priority on Sustainable Development, reinforcing the organisation's commitment to integrating culture and cultural heritage into global climate solutions.

The Blue Zoneat COP is the official UN-managed space where negotiations and high-level events take place. Access is restricted to accredited delegates, including government representatives, international organisations, and select civil society groups. It serves as the central hub for climate diplomacy, fostering dialogue and decision-making on critical global climate policies.

ICOM's active participation in the Blue Zone highlights its dedication to ensuring that culture and cultural heritageare recognised as pivotal in climate action and sustainable development strategies.

The International Council of Museums (ICOM) is an international non-governmental organisation made up of over 50 thousand museum professionals from all over the world. With its 120 National Committees, 34 International Committees, 7 Regional Alliances, and 21 Affiliated Organisations, ICOM 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.

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