The City Palace Museum, Udaipur, hosted the ICOM INTERCOM Annual Conference 2026 on 24 and 25 October 2026, bringing together museum professionals, scholars, researchers, and experts from across the world to deliberate on the evolving role of museums in addressing climate change and navigating digital transformation, particularly the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in museums and heritage spaces. The conference provided a platform for international dialogue on the challenges and opportunities shaping contemporary museum practices, with a focus on sustainability, technological advancement, and the interpretation of cultural heritage. Shriji Huzur Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, the 77th Custodian of the House of Mewar and Chairman and Managing Trustee of the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation, warmly received delegates from various countries, extending to them the traditional hospitality of Mewar. He welcomed the distinguished guests and appreciated the significant work being undertaken by their respective institutions. The interaction also provided an opportunity to exchange views on the evolving role of museums in the context of technological advancements, future developments in museum practices, and new avenues for the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage.He emphasised that the City Palace Museum, Udaipur, remains committed to safeguarding Mewar’s living heritage, fostering centres of excellence, and establishing exemplary practices in sustainable heritage management for the 21st century. The welcome address was delivered by Dr. Mayank Gupta, CEO, MMCF followed by an introduction to the conference theme by Ms. Martha Ikabongo, Interim INTERCOM Chair. Ms. Special address was given by Ms. Goranka Horjan, Treasurer ICOM Executive Board. The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Eystein Markusson, ICOM NATHIST Board Member and Director of Svalbard Museum. The first day of the conference was dedicated to Climate Change and Museums, examining the role of museums in responding to environmental challenges and integrating sustainability into their institutional practices. The presentations explored case studies and institutional responses from different parts of the world, highlighting approaches to climate awareness, sustainable heritage management, community participation, and the use of indigenous knowledge in responding to environmental change. A round-table discussion titled ‘Museums as Climate Actors: Responsibility vs Capacity’, moderated by Ms. Iveta Ruskule, Board Member of ICOM INTERCOM, provided a platform to examine the responsibilities of museums in addressing climate change, alongside the practical challenges and institutional capacities required to implement environmental initiatives. The discussion emphasised the importance of considering sustainability within the broader framework of museum management and heritage conservation. The day also included a workshop led by Ms. Alenka Kroselj Cernelic and Mr. Eystein Markusson, focusing on practical tools, frameworks, and strategies for climate action, followed by a guided museum tour led by the curatorial team of The City Palace Museum, Udaipur. The second day focused on Digital Transformations – AI, Big Data and Museums, exploring the growing influence of digital technologies on museum management, collections, interpretation, research, and audience engagement. The keynote address, titled ‘Technology vs Authenticity: Where Do Museums Stand?’, was delivered by Ms. Silvia Cendron of Museo Egizio, Turin, Italy, examining questions surrounding the relationship between technological advancement and authenticity in museum contexts. The presentations explored the application of AI and data-driven approaches to museum knowledge management, collections stewardship, audience research, and interpretation. Mr. Manuel Rabaté of the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, New Delhi, shared his perspectives on ‘AI: The Reimagined Museum Ecosystem’. The ICOM INTERCOM Annual Conference 2026 concluded with reflections on the key discussions and future directions for the museum sector, reaffirming the value of international cooperation and professional exchange in addressing contemporary challenges. The conference highlighted the importance of developing sustainable, inclusive, and adaptive approaches that enable museums to embrace technological advancements while continuing to preserve, interpret, and communicate cultural heritage for future generations. Ms. Goranka Horjan and Ms. Reena Deewan contributed and played a vital role in the conference. ABOUT THE ORGANISATIONS: The City Palace Museum, Udaipur The City Palace Museum, Udaipur under the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF), was set up in 1969 to safeguard and preserve the cultural heritage and the time-honoured traditions of the people of Mewar. Now in its 57th year of operations, the museum today is a rich repository of paintings, photographs, textiles and royal costumes, arms and armouries, silver artefacts, sculptures, and musical instruments. Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) is a public charitable trust and an initiative of the Custodian of the House of Mewar for perpetuation of its core values: service to mankind and society, upholding self-independence and self-reliance. It serves as a 'temple of inspiration' for future generations and continues the model of sustainability that is 'Eternal Mewar'. Under the leadership of Shriji Huzur Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar of Udaipur, Chairman and Managing Trustee of MMCF, The City Palace Museum has paved the way for the city of Udaipur to exemplify and the living heritage of Mewar, with the establishment of several centres of excellence and emerging as a model of sustainability in the 21st century. ICOM INTERCOM INTERCOM is the International Committee for museum management that is part of the International Council of Museums (ICOM), focusing on ideas, issues and practices relating to management and leadership within the context of museums. The principle actions in management are to lead and represent a public body/institution, and to plan, resource, implement, evaluate and adjust, based on an identified vision.