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Resolution 4 – Empowering Museums in Achieving the SDGs through Youth by Means of Social Inclusion and Climate Action

Impact: Public Policy Impact

Description of impact

Co-authored and led the development of ICOM Resolution 4, “Empowering Museums in Achieving the SDGs through Youth by Means of Social Inclusion and Climate Action,” adopted for endorsement by the 40th Ordinary General Assembly at the 27th ICOM General Conference (Dubai, 2025). The Resolution was developed jointly by the International Committee for Museology (ICOFOM) and Hands On! International, drawing directly on findings from the global ICOFOM and St Andrews youth workshop series “Young People Shaping the Future of Museology through the Lens of the SDGs” (2023–2025), coordinated by J.A. Brown, supported by K. Brown. 

The Resolution positions museums as agents of change in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals through meaningful engagement with children and young people, particularly in addressing the climate emergency and advancing social inclusion. It calls upon all ICOM bodies to support youth-led initiatives, promote intergenerational knowledge exchange, and ensure equitable opportunities across diverse and underrepresented communities, including those in low-lying and island regions.

This Resolution reinforces Brown & Brown's leadership in shaping global museological policy and advancing youth empowerment, climate action, and social inclusion within the museum sector.

Who is affected

Global museum professionals, policymakers, and youth across ICOM’s 120 national committees and 32 international committees, particularly those working in museums, cultural organisations, and heritage institutions in low-lying, island, and underrepresented regions. The Resolution also directly benefits children, young people, and educators engaged in climate action and sustainable development through museum initiatives.

Narrative

This Resolution, positions museums as key actors in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals through youth engagement, social inclusion, and climate action. Adopted for endorsement by the 40th Ordinary General Assembly of ICOM at the 27th General Conference (Dubai, 2025), it calls on all ICOM bodies to support youth-led initiatives, promote intergenerational knowledge exchange, and strengthen equitable participation across global museum networks. Drawing on evidence from the Young People Shaping the Future of Museology through the Lens of the SDGs workshops (2023–2025), the Resolution has influenced ICOM’s strategic direction, embedding youth empowerment and sustainability into international museological policy and practice.
Impact statusOpen
Impact date1 Dec 2024 → 18 Dec 2025
Category of impactPublic Policy Impact
Impact levelInvolvement - mid or active stage

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