Since 2011, ICOMOS has been closely engaged with the topic of heritage and sustainable development. This advocacy predates the formation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals in 2015 and it remains actively engaged with the pursuit of advocating for a more holistic Culture Goal beyond 2030. ICOMOS’ work is undertaken by the Sustainable Development Goals Working Group (SDGWG) under the coordination of a volunteer ICOMOS Focal Point.

On June 25, The Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage (ARC-WH), the Heritage Commission in Saudi Arabia, and the ICOMOS Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGWG) concluded the online phase of the capacity-building programme on Incorporating Sustainable Development into the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention in the Arab States Region.  

The General Assembly of ICOMOS passed the historic resolution addressing Gender Diversity in Sydney last 8 September 2023. The resolution puts forward gender diversity and empowerment as an  important component of the ICOMOS Triennial Action Plan, with a specific focus on gender equity in membership and leadership positions and on research related to heritage practices and management systems. It also invites its committees and all ICOMOS bodies to take gender dimensions into account as part of their work and decision making processes.

ICOMOS and the Global Heritage Fund (GHF) recently completed Phase 1 of their project which identifies key linkages and data gaps in the contribution of heritage to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
"Providing Guidance on Evidence for Heritage and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals" is conducted by the 2 organisations under the terms of their Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2021.