Dear ICMAH Members, Museum Professionals, and Colleges,

This year, International Museums Day (IMD 2026) highlights the significant role that museums serve as facilitators of cultural, social, and geopolitical connections. They promote dialogue, understanding, inclusion, and peace among communities globally. As reputable public spaces and centers of education, museums contribute to the advancement of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect. In an era characterized by social fragmentation, polarization, and disparities in access to knowledge and culture, museums play a crucial role in reconstructing connections across generations, communities, and borders. They cultivate environments in which narratives, artifacts, and individuals converge, providing opportunities for reflection, exchange, and shared understanding.

In celebration of the 80th Anniversary of ICOM, the ICOM International Committee for Museums and Collections of Archaeology and History (ICMAH) and ICOM Egypt National Committee reaffirm their dedication to enhancing the global museum community and advancing its societal role. Following the ICOM Strategic Plan aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), for International Museum Day 2026, ICOM advocates the following SDGs:

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

In the heart of civilization, at the world’s largest museum of archaeological and historical collections, which encompasses a significant assembly of ancient Egyptian civilization artifacts at the Grand Egyptian Museum, The ICOM International Committee for Museums and Collections of Archaeology and History and ICOM Egypt Regional Committee invites museum professionals to submit proposals for presentations to be presented during The International Symposium Titled:

“Museums Uniting a Divided World”

The symposium is associated with the International Council of Museums’ celebration of International Museums Day (IMD 2026)

Date: May 20, 2026    –    Venue: Grand Egyptian Museum, Cairo, Egypt

The International Symposium addressing the following themes:

• Theme A: Decolonization of 21st Century Museums.
• Theme 2: Museums: A Place for Peaceful and Inclusive Societies.
• Theme 3: Introducing the Concept of Sustainable Development Within Museum Practices.

The FULL CALL FOR PROPOSALS is HERE.

For the Proposal Presentation submission, please submit through the form in the link below:

International Symposium “Museums Uniting a Divided World” IMD2026 ICOM ICMAH, ICOM EGYPT – Fill in form

Participation in the symposium is free of charge. Registration is MANDATORY through the link below:

International Symposium “Museums Uniting a Divided World” IMD2026, ICOM ICMAH, ICOM EGYPT – Fill in form

Abstract submission deadline is April 30, 2026.

For information, queries, and Abstract Submission, please contact: Chair.icmah@icom.museum

Cordially,

ICOM ICMAH Board