ICOM International chose the motto “Museums, Sustainability and Well-Being” for the 2023 International Museum Day, which is celebrated on the 18th of May.
“Museums are key contributors to the well-being and sustainable development of our communities. As trusted institutions and important segments in our shared social fabric, they are in a unique position to create a ripple effect to promote positive change”, stresses the ICOM (International Council of Museums).
There are many ways museums can contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals: from supporting climate action and promoting inclusion to tackling social isolation and improving mental health.
As highlighted in the ICOM Resolution “On sustainability and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, Transforming our world” (Kyoto, 2019), all museums have a role to play in shaping and creating sustainable futures, and they can do this through educational programs, exhibitions, outreach, and community research.
Since 2020, International Museum Day reflects support for the SDGs, with the 2023 edition focusing on goals 3, 13 and 15.
Goal 3. Global health and well-being: ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all, in particular with regard to mental health and social isolation;
Goal 13. Climate Action: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts by adopting low-carbon practices in the Global North and mitigation strategies in the Global South.
Goal 15. Life on Earth: Protect, restore and promote the sustainable use of Earth's ecosystems by amplifying the voices of indigenous leaders and raising awareness of biodiversity loss.
For this reason, stresses ICOM, “on May 18, we encourage all members of civil society to unite and realize all the transformative potential that museums have for sustainable development and well-being!”.
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