Dr. Goranka Horjan Elected Treasurer of ICOM (2025 – 2028)

Dr. Kaja Širok Elected to the ICOM Executive Board (2025 – 2028)

 

Dubai, 14 November 2025 — The International Council of Museums (ICOM) announced the results of its Executive Board elections at the General Assembly held during the ICOM Triennial Conference in Dubai.

Dr. Goranka Horjan, active member of ICOM, former INTERCOM Chair and Director of the Dvor Trakošćan Museum in Croatia, has been elected Treasurer of ICOM for the 2025 – 2028 mandate.

Dr. Kaja Širok, active member of ICOM, museum professional and heritage expert, former ICOM Slovenia Chair, former Director of National Museum of Contemporary History, has been elected Ordinary Member of the ICOM Executive Board for the 2025–2028 mandate.

Dr. Horjan’s election reflects her longstanding commitment to museum excellence, transparent governance, and sustainable financial management. Nominated by INTERCOM, ICOM Croatia, and ICOM South East Europe, she brings over 25 years of leadership experience in museum management and heritage policy, having overseen major national and EU-funded projects that strengthened Croatia’s museum infrastructure and international collaboration.

Throughout her career, Dr. Horjan has championed accountability, inclusiveness, and innovation within ICOM’s global network. Her election platform focused on improving financial transparency, ensuring balanced allocations to National and International Committees, Regional Alliances, and Affiliated Organizations, and building financial sustainability to support ICOM’s mission worldwide.

Speaking after her election, Dr. Horjan expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her by ICOM members and reaffirmed her commitment to responsible stewardship: “As Treasurer, I will dedicate my efforts to building confidence in ICOM’s financial management, supporting open communication, and ensuring that every member contribution directly supports our shared mission — advancing museums and heritage worldwide through transparency, sustainability, and balance.”

Her proven track record as Chair of INTERCOM and ICOM SEE, and as former ICOM Executive Board member (2010–2016), along with her leadership roles in the European Museum Forum and Europa Nostra, were key factors in her successful campaign.

Dr. Kaja Širok has been elected to the ICOM Executive Board. Her re-election represents an important recognition of her longstanding professional achievements, as well as the commitment of the South-East European region to actively contribute to the global museum community.

Dr. Širok’s work is guided by a strong belief in sustainable, inclusive, and ethical museums that empower individuals and communities, embrace digital innovation, and foster peacebuilding through dialogue. She emphasizes the role of museums as agents of social change, institutions that serve all communities while shaping a more just, connected, and peaceful future.

In her candidacy, aligned with the ICOM Strategic Plan (to 2028) and the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030, Dr. Širok outlined a clear set of priorities:

Fostering cultural understanding and education by promoting museums as platforms for dialogue, empathy, and mutual respect.

Empowering museums to address global challenges, including inequality and social fragmentation, through inclusive cultural engagement.

Strengthening collaboration among National and International Committees, Regional Alliances, the ICOM Secretariat, and partner cultural institutions.

Upholding professional and ethical standards, contributing to the development and implementation of the new ICOM Museum Definition and Code of Ethics.

Advancing knowledge sharing by supporting the exchange of best practices, educational tools, and innovative methodologies within the global museum community.

Her focus on community building, cross-border cooperation, and the promotion of museum professionals makes her a valuable addition to the Executive Board.

 

ICOM SEE expresses its sincere satisfaction and pride in the election of its endorsed candidates. We are confident that Dr. Horjan’s and Dr. Širok’s expertise, vision, and dedication will significantly contribute to the strategic development and strengthening of ICOM on an international level.

Congratulations to all elected ICOM representatives and to fruitful upcoming three years!