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Statement on the Constitutive General Assembly of ICOM Palestine

The Palestinian National Committee of the International Council of Museums (ICOM Palestine) successfully held its Constitutive General Assembly on 5 May 2026 (at 2:00 p.m. Jerusalem time), marking a significant milestone in the establishment of the Committee within the global ICOM network. The meeting was chaired by the Director General of the Academy of Palestinian and Arab Museology in Paris, Dr Mathaf A. Tarabin, Founder and Interim Chair of ICOM Palestine, in accordance with the decision of the ICOM Executive Board at its 175th Session (20–21 March 2025), which approved the establishment of ICOM Palestine, and following his designation by the Director General as Interim Chair to convene and chair the constituent meeting of the Committee.

Convened online, the General Assembly brought together members of ICOM Palestine to formally initiate the Committee's institutional framework. The meeting provided an opportunity to present the background and objectives underpinning the creation of ICOM Palestine, to discuss its draft Statutes, and, most importantly, to proceed with the election of its first Board.

This founding moment reflects a collective commitment to strengthening the role of museums and museum professionals in Palestine, in line with the values, standards, and mission of ICOM as an international non-governmental organisation. The active participation of members in this process demonstrates a shared dedication to building a dynamic, inclusive, and professionally engaged National Committee.

ICOM Palestine was honoured by the presence of H.E. Mr Adel Naim Daoud Atieh, Permanent Delegate of the State of Palestine to UNESCO, whose steadfast support has been instrumental in the establishment of the Committee. The meeting was also attended by former Permanent Delegate of the State of Palestine to UNESCO, H.E. Mr Safwat Ibraghith, and H.E. Mr Mounir Anastas, both of whom have been actively involved in supporting the establishment of ICOM Palestine over the past years.

The Assembly further benefited from the presence of H.E. Mr Karim Hendili, Head of UNESCO's Ramallah Office and Representative to Palestine, as well as Dr Jehad Ramadan, Secretary-General of the Palestinian National Commission for UNESCO.

ICOM Palestine also expresses its appreciation for the participation of representatives of the ICOM Secretariat, and Mr Shadi Jaradat, Director of the Museum Development Department at the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, whose support and engagement accompanied this important milestone.

ICOM Palestine also extends its appreciation to the representatives of ICOM Arab, the ICOM Regional Alliance of Arab countries, for their presence, in particular Mr Yaarob Abdullah and Ms Shaimaa Matar, whose support and engagement throughout the election process have been greatly appreciated.

First Board of ICOM Palestine

Following the election, the first Board of ICOM Palestine is composed as follows:

• Chair: Mohammad Halayka
• Vice-Chair: Jihad Khaled Khalil Yassin
• Secretary: Abour Hashash
• Treasurer: Zaid Daoud
• Ordinary board members:
  • Baha Aldeen Jubeh
  • Dr Loai Abualsuad
  • Jehad Abualkbash
  • Walaa Ghazal
  • Lena Laimoun

The election of the first Board of ICOM Palestine constitutes a key step in ensuring the effective governance and future development of the Committee. The newly elected Board is entrusted with guiding the Committee's activities and fostering collaboration within the Palestinian museum community and across the international ICOM network.

This Constitutive General Assembly lays the foundation for the long-term development of ICOM Palestine and reaffirms its commitment to promoting professional standards, ethical practices, and international cooperation in the museum field.

Past Event

Constitutive General Assembly of ICOM Palestine — 5 May 2026

Constitutive General Assembly of ICOM Palestine — 5 May 2026 at 2:00 pm (Jerusalem time)

Invitation & Agenda Read the full letter