The venue for this significant event was Dubai, which hosted such an international forum for the first time, gathering leading specialists in the field of museology. High-profile guests attended the opening of the conference, including the Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and the Chairwoman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Their participation was a vivid testament to the international significance of this conference and support for the museum sector in the region.
The Kyrgyz delegation consisted of seven representatives, including faculty members from the International University of "Ala-Too" (MUA). Among them were the head of the "Advertising and Public Relations" department of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Candidate of Philological Sciences, Associate Professor Ainura Kabatay kyzy, and art curator, television journalist, and senior lecturer at the "Journalism" department, Jamby Jusubaliev. They participated in one of the panel discussions within the scientific cluster of the conference.
The active work of the National Committee of ICOM Kyrgyzstan, led by Aida Alymova, was highlighted at the event. The committee significantly expanded international connections and enhanced Kyrgyzstan's involvement in the global museum community.
Particular interest was sparked by the presentation of Jamby Jusubaliev and Ainura Kabatay kyzy within the Committee of Literary and Musical Museums (ICLCM). Their project, Living Literature: Reimagining the House of Kubatbek Jusubaliev as a Creative Museum Residence in the Alai Mountains of Kyrgyzstan, became one of the most discussed topics of the conference.
The researchers presented a concept for transforming the home of the famous writer Kubatbek Jusubaliev into a modern art residence that would unite the literary heritage, art, and cultural practices of the Alai region. International experts noted the innovative approach and significant potential of this project for international cooperation. The synthesis of various media practices particularly attracted interest, enhancing the interaction between museums and audiences and creating contemporary cultural products.
During the discussions, the important role of PR and journalism in the development of museums was raised: modern communication contributes to expanding the audience and popularizing cultural initiatives, as well as supporting the representation of Kyrgyzstan on the international stage. The project became a notable contribution to the global discussion on how literary residencies can foster cultural development in regions.
The Kyrgyz delegation actively participated in key sessions dedicated to digitalization, sustainable development of museums, and new forms of interaction with visitors. As a result of the conference, preliminary agreements were reached on potential partnerships with museum organizations from the Middle East and Europe.
Kyrgyzstan's participation in ICOM 2025 significantly strengthened the country's international status and underscored its contribution to the global museum discourse. The knowledge and contacts gained will create a foundation for new initiatives aimed at developing the cultural infrastructure and museum sector of the country.
