Created in 1946, ICOM (International Council of Museums) is the only international organisation representing museums and museum professionals on a global level.

ICOM is an international non-governmental organisation maintaining formal relations with UNESCO. Within the United Nations, ICOM has a consultative status with the Economic and Social Council.

ICOM is:

• A diplomatic forum made up of representatives from 137 countries and territories.
• Standards of excellence for museums, notably in terms of ethics, with its Code of Ethics for Museums.
• A unique international network of more than 30,000 museum professionals around the world.
• A think tank composed of 31 International Committees that represent museum specialties.
• Missions of international public service notably in the fight against illicit traffic of cultural property and emergency programmes in the event of natural disasters or armed conflicts.