Dear Colleagues of the National Natural History Museum of China,

Here in Paris, as the president of the International Council of Museums (ICOM), I want to congratulate you all on the inauguration of the National Natural History Museum of China. This is an important moment for the China museums community and it will be a significant event for the international museum family that brings us more potentials in professional cooperation in natural history museums. 

I noticed that this museum was originally the Beijing Museum of Natural History. It has been a longstanding member of ICOM. The museum is extremely popular among the public, receiving over 1.8 million visitors in 2019 and over 700,000 during the pandemic, which is really extraordinary. 

So from ICOM, we are looking forward to the opening of a much bigger venue to receive the increasing number of visitors and put its collections of beautiful specimens on display. I am impressed to learn that the museum is going to meet these needs.

On May 18, we celebrated the International Museum Day 2023. This year’s theme, “Museums, Sustainability and Well-being”, has inspired the museum community all over the world, re-affirmed our commitment to the service of society and its development and highlighted our dedication to the principles of sustainability and well-being. Natural history museums play a key role in promoting the harmonious relationship between nature and human beings and inspiring the public to embrace long term sustainability and protect the quality of the environment for future generations. 

As a global organization comprising members from across the world, we actively foster collaboration and dialogue with local platforms and governing bodies. We are delighted to observe the growth and endorsement of new establishments in the vibrant city of Beijing, signifying the recognition of cultural institution as beacons of hope for sustainable development and well-being.

Museums do have the transformative capacity to shape the world we inhabit. It is our collective responsibility to unite in our efforts to create a safer and improved global community.

On behalf of ICOM, I congratulate you once again.

Ms. Emma Nardi

President of the International Council of Museums

尊敬的中国国家自然博物馆的同事们：

作为国际博物馆协会主席，我在巴黎向中国国家自然博物馆揭牌成立表示热烈的祝贺。这是中国博物馆界的重要时刻，对国际博物馆大家庭来说同样也意义非凡。这为我们在自然博物馆领域的专业合作带来了更多可能。

我注意到国家自然博物馆原为北京自然博物馆。该馆也一直是国际博协的会员，备受公众欢迎。2019年接待观众超180万人次。疫情期间年接待超70万人次。这样的表现的确不同凡响。

作为国际博协，我们期待能有更大规模的场地开放，接待更多的观众并展出众多美丽的藏品。得知国家自然博物馆可以实现以上期许，我感到十分振奋。

5月18日，我们庆祝了2023年国际博物馆日。今年的主题是“博物馆、可持续性与美好生活”。这个主题鼓舞了世界各地的博物馆，重申了我们对服务社会及其发展的承诺，凸显了我们对可持续发展和美好生活的追求。自然博物馆在促进人与自然和谐相处、激励公众拥抱长期可持续性以及保护环境、造福子孙后代方面发挥着关键作用。

作为一个全球性组织，国际博协的会员遍布世界各地。我们积极推进与地方平台和管理机构的合作和对话。也很高兴看到新的博物馆在充满活力的北京蓬勃发展，备受支持。这标志着文化机构的作用得到充分认可，它们就像灯塔，承载着人们对可持续发展和美好生活的期望。

博物馆具有推动变革、塑造世界的能力。团结一致，努力创造一个更加安全、更加美好的世界，这是我们共同的责任。

我谨代表国际博协，再次向你们表示衷心的祝贺。

艾玛·纳迪女士

国际博物馆协会主席