Activating heritage collections for sustainable development 

Dates: 22–26 September 2025 

Format: Online conference 

Join: Register here

Collections 2030 and Beyond is a virtual conference dedicated to help leverage heritage collections worldwide as assets in support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  

We are now well past the midway point of Agenda 2030, yet sustainable development challenges are not being met, and in many situations are going off track. Mobilizing heritage collections through stronger cross-sector partnerships is crucial for achieving these global goals.  

Organized by ICCROM, APOYOnline, the International Institute for Conservation (IIC), and the University of Valencia, the conference will bring together professionals from around the world working in heritage, sustainability, and development. Through a dynamic programme of keynote lectures, panel discussions, lightning talks, and interactive sessions, the event will highlight how collections-based work can support global efforts for a more sustainable, inclusive, and peaceful future. 

OCM Collections 2030 and Beyond Conference

 

Each day of the conference will focus on one of the five pillars of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: 

  • People: To end poverty and hunger, in all their forms and dimensions, and to ensure that all human beings can fulfil their potential in dignity and equality and in a healthy environment. 
  • Planet: To protect the planet from degradation, including through sustainable consumption and production, sustainably managing its natural resources and taking urgent action on climate change to support the needs of the present and future generations. 
  • Prosperity: To ensure that all human beings can enjoy prosperous and fulfilling lives and that economic, social, and technological progress occurs in harmony with nature. 
  • Peace: To foster peaceful, just and inclusive societies free from fear and violence. There can be no sustainable development without peace, and no peace without sustainable development. To mobilize the means required to implement the 2030 Agenda through a revitalized Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, based on a spirit of strengthened global solidarity, focused on the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable and with the participation of all countries, all stakeholders and all people. 

The event will feature a diverse line-up of speakers from across regions and disciplines, offering global perspectives and practical insights into how collections can drive positive change. 
Participation is free of charge, but space is limited to 500 attendees. 

Register HERE.