Panama reaffirms its leadership in international museum and cooperation networks, promoting a diverse, innovative museum model connected to contemporary social realities. The country shone and consolidated its presence on the international museum scene with its prominent participation in the 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums (ICOM), recently held in Dubai under the theme 'The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities'. Ana Elizabeth González, Executive Director and Chief Curator of the Panama Canal Museum, as well as President of ICOM Panama, represented the country at this meeting, considered one of the most important in the sector globally. Held every three years, the conference brought together thousands of museum professionals, academics, and cultural leaders from over 150 countries. During the event, the main challenges and opportunities for the sector in a constantly transforming global context were addressed. González's participation allowed for the visibility of the innovative practices of the Panama Canal Museum in narrative diversification, inclusion, education, and sustainability. In addition to demonstrating the country's progress in building a plural and contemporary museum model, she established strategic alliances with international institutions and shared experiences with colleagues from around the world. 'The future of museums depends on our ability to adapt without losing sight of the essential: the communities that give them meaning. This meeting in Dubai is an opportunity to rethink our role as spaces for memory, reflection, and citizen encounter,' stated González. Following ICOM Dubai, González continued her agenda in Paris, where she gave a conference at the Maison de l'Amérique Latine on the comprehensive renewal of the Panama Canal Museum and the diversification of historical and cultural narratives. This activity is carried out in academic collaboration with Sorbonne University. 'Paris has historically been a meeting point between Latin America and Europe.'
