ISO - International Organization for Standardization

Huguette Umutoni Bitega from the Global Partnership for Education, The World Bank , shares powerful insights from Kigali — highlighting how inclusive dialogue and diverse perspectives are driving meaningful progress at the #ISOannualmeeting 🌍 With representatives from 170 countries, this annual gathering reflects a global commitment to shaping a safer, more sustainable world through international standards. From advancing gender equity and youth empowerment to tackling urgent global challenges, the conversations this week have underscored the importance of working together across sectors and borders. 💡 Innovation, collaboration, and shared purpose are at the heart of every session. 🔗 Discover the latest highlights, interviews, and session recaps on the ISO Annual Meeting live page: https://lnkd.in/gfeXQHFF #ISOannualmeeting #UnitedForImpact #GlobalStandards #Leadership #Inclusion #Sustainability #Collaboration #Innovation

What an incredible week in Kigali, Rwanda!   As the ISO Annual Meeting 2025 comes to a close, we’re inspired by the ideas shared, the partnerships built and the bold actions taken to shape a better world through international standards.   From the signing of the landmark Kigali Agreement to vibrant discussions on AI, trade and innovation, biodiversity, and the circular economy, this week truly embodied our theme #UnitedForImpact.   Highlights from yesterday's ISO General Assembly: ✅ Kigali Agreement signed: A historic milestone between ISO and the African Organisation for Standardisation - ARSO strengthening Africa’s role in global standardization and advancing sustainable trade and development under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat (AfCFTA). More here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/dj9Ekn3U   ✅ Next Generation Award: Congratulations to Kganya Nkazimulo Sidange (Standards Association of Zimbabwe), winner of the 2025 award, for driving sustainability and empowering communities to create change through standards.   ✅ Lawrence D. Eicher Award: ISO/TC 323 Circular Economy by ISO receives this prestigious honor for pioneering global standards that advance sustainable growth and innovation. More here ➡️https://lnkd.in/ecJWtGkQ ✅ Leadership transition: We are pleased to announce Khaled Soufi - PhD (Chairman of the Egyptian Organization for Standardization and Quality announced as incoming ISO President (2026), ushering in a new era of global cooperation.    A big thank you to our gracious hosts, Rwanda Standards Board and the Government of Rwanda for their warm hospitality and collaboration.   See you in Paris next year with hosts AFNOR Group.   🔖 Catch all the photos and read more: https://lnkd.in/gcYee_Q6 #ISO #Standards #KigaliAgreement #Standardization #Sustainability #CircularEconomy #TradeAndInnovation #AI #GlobalCooperation #UnitedForImpact #AfCFTA #ISOannualmeeting

📢 A historic milestone for Africa and international standardization! ISO and African Organisation for Standardisation - ARSO have officially signed the Kigali Agreement, a landmark framework to strengthen technical cooperation and accelerate the adoption of international standards across the continent. Signed just now during the General Assembly at the ISO Annual Meeting 2025 in Kigali, the Kigali Agreement supports the goals of African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat and the African Union’s Agenda 2063 — helping to harmonize standards, reduce trade barriers, and unlock inclusive and sustainable economic growth. 🔗 The five-year agreement focuses on: ✅ Coordinated standards development ✅ Greater regional and national alignment ✅ Capacity building and access to standards ✅ Regulatory coherence and trade facilitation ISO Secretary-General Sergio Mujica said: “This agreement is not only about technical cooperation. It’s about building a more inclusive, connected and sustainable future for the region.” We’re proud to support Africa’s journey toward deeper economic integration - through standards that reflect local priorities and global best practices. 📍 Read the press release in full: https://lnkd.in/dj9Ekn3U #ISOStandards #KigaliAgreement #ARSO #AfCFTA #Trade #Development #Africa #ISOTogether #Agenda2063

"Standards are many, but we have to keep up. Because ultimately, when you create technology the size that the big tech does, responsibility has to be baked in.”- Catherine Muraga with Microsoft Africa Development Centre From bold ideas to real-world impact: Day 3 of the #ISOannualmeeting 2025 in Kigali spotlighted how international standards are accelerating progress. Key moments: 🔸The future of AI The Honourable Yves N. Iradukunda, MBA, PMP® Minister of State in Charge of ICT and Innovation, Rwanda joined Catherine Muraga to cut through the noise and explore how responsible innovation can turn AI risks into shared opportunities. Their message was clear: Trustworthy AI demands global collaboration, strong governance, and inclusive design anchored in public–private partnerships. The conversation continues at the International AI Standards Summit, Seoul, 1–2 December 2025. 🔸Standards that change lives Ruth Komuntale, CEO of ECOCA East Africa, shared a powerful case: clean cookstoves built to international standards are driving health, sustainability, and economic empowerment in off-grid communities. The takeaway: Inclusive innovation starts with trusted international frameworks. ♀️ Women in standardization Change starts with connection. A dynamic session unpacked the barriers to gender equity in standardization and the solutions. From policy to leadership pipelines, the ISO Gender Action Plan 2024–2026 is turning commitments into progress. 🔸Solutions lab: Co-creating the future At the members-only Solutions Lab, ISO members came together to exchange insights, address shared challenges, and co-create actionable solutions. This space amplified diverse voices and strengthened ISO’s global network of equals. 🔸Mid-Week reflections: United for impact As the Open Programme concluded, the Honourable Antoine Kajangwe, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Rwanda and ISO Deputy Secretary-General Silvio Dulinsky reflected on a week shaped by cross-sector collaboration, shared purpose, and a commitment to collective progress. Our day was completed by a community night run led by the Honorable Nelly Mukazayire, Minister of Sports of the Republic of Rwanda, who is widely recognized for using sport as a tool to inspire unity and foster community spirit across all ages in Rwanda. International standards are more than technical tools. They are enablers of unity, trust, and global cooperation. In a world facing complex challenges, being united for impact means ensuring that all voices across companies, communities, and countries are included in shaping solutions that work for everyone. 📸 See photos and read more highlights: https://lnkd.in/g44FWjWn Hosted by Rwanda Standards Board #ISOStandards #AI #GenderEquality #RegionalCollaboration #Innovation #UnitedForImpact #ISO2025 #StandardsInAction #AIforGood #GenderEquality #InclusiveInnovation #AfCFTA #GlobalGoals

A moment to reflect and refocus. As our ISO Annual Meeting open programme draws to a close, this session brings us together one last time to reflect on the insights, inspiration and connections shared over the past days. 🎥 Online panel discussion 📅 8 October (17:00 - 17:30 UTC+2) Why attend? From breakthrough ideas to personal moments of exchange, we’ll revisit what resonated and how it can shape our path forward. Celebrate the voices that made this space meaningful and carry the momentum into the next phase of the Annual Meeting – and beyond. 🗣️ Interpretation available in 8 languages Register now. #ISOannualmeeting #Biodiversity #ISOStandards with hosts Rwanda Standards Board

🌍 Partnerships powering action for nature 🌿 At the #ISOannualmeeting, leaders from across sectors came together to turn biodiversity ambition into measurable action. 🤝 Representatives from governments, business and international organizations — including UNDP Rwanda, Nature Positive Initiative and the WBCSD – World Business Council for Sustainable Development — explored how standards can help shift from nature risk to nature value. 💡 🎥 After the session, Fatmata Lovetta Sesay, Ph.D of UNDP Rwanda shared how ISO’s new biodiversity standard will guide national action: “We look forward to working with the Government of Rwanda to implement the ISO standard here in Rwanda — so that businesses can continue to thrive, and we can continue to enjoy nature as well.” 🌱 This collaboration reflects what ISO stands for: shared solutions for global challenges. Together, through the new ISO 17298: Biodiversity for Organizations, we’re helping organizations integrate nature into strategy — turning partnership into progress. 🌿✨ 🔗 Watch the highlights and discover more: https://lnkd.in/gaBAQNci 👉 https://lnkd.in/ehxuFSBr #ISOannualmeeting #Partnerships #Biodiversity #Sustainability #UNDP #WBCSD #NaturePositive #BusinessAndNature #ISOStandards Noelia Garcia NebraSophie B.Andrew AndreaRwanda Standards Board

Futureproof with AI: Growth, responsibility, and the road ahead 💻 Online panel discussion 📅 8 October ⏰ 14:00–14:30 (UTC+2) Cut through the hype and explore how artificial intelligence can be scaled responsibly with standards that build trust and deliver real value. This expert-led session examines power dynamics, Africa's AI momentum, and real-world impact. ⚡ Why attend? 🎯 · Engage in open discussion on power dynamics behind AI development · Understand Africa's growing momentum in the AI space · Gain insights on real-world impact of AI tools and responsible scaling 🗣️ Interpretation available in 8 languages 👉 Don’t miss it! Register now to join the livestream and get a reminder when we go live. Rwanda Standards Board #ISOannualmeeting #ResponsibleAI #AIGovernance

💫Day 2 of the #ISOannualmeeting offered bold ideas and actionable insights: 🔺Young leaders reimagining the future Youth innovators, tech pioneers, and policymakers showcased how the next generation is transforming agriculture with technology and purpose — proving that engaging young voices is essential for building future-ready organizations. 🔺All voices heard Participants tackled persistent barriers limiting participation from developing countries, SMEs, consumers, and youth. They shared practical strategies to elevate underrepresented voices because diversity doesn’t just strengthen standards, it builds trust. 🔺SMART readiness Members assessed their readiness, exchanged best practices, and explored the first steps toward SMART implementation, from engaging partners to overcoming resistance. Success begins with reflection, collaboration, and a clear path forward. 🔺Biodiversity is business ISO launched the world’s first international standard for organizations to assess and manage biodiversity impacts. It provides a practical, scalable framework to embed biodiversity into strategy, operations, and governance. Developed by experts from over 60 countries, the ISO 17298 is expected to to create credible, transparent, and scalable action for nature worldwide.   🔺Proving the impact of standards Experts and users explored how to measure the benefits of standards — from jobs and trade to climate action — and launched a growing community of practice to make these benefits undeniable.   Join us tomorrow! When every voice counts, innovation thrives, and impact is measurable, we move the world forward together. 👉See photos and read more https://lnkd.in/gaBAQNci w/ Rwanda Standards Board #InternationalStandards #ISO17298 #collaboration #biodiversity

🌍 From Kigali to the world — biodiversity has entered the heart of business strategy. Today at the #ISOannualmeeting, we officially launched ISO 17298 – Biodiversity for organizations: Guidelines and requirements, the first International Standard helping organizations embed biodiversity into their strategy and operations. The launch took place during today's biodiversity session and brought together voices from government, business, and civil society to explore how standards turn ambition into action. This milestone — hosted in Rwanda, where biodiversity is central to livelihoods, resilience and growth — reflects years of collaboration under ISO/TC 331 on Biodiversity. 🎤 Voices from Kigali: 🌾 “More than 65% of our population depends directly on nature for livelihoods… The loss of biodiversity is not just an environmental issue — it is an existential threat to our economy and to the wellbeing of our people.” — Hon. Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye, PhD Minister of Environment, Republic of Rwanda 🌿 “There is a perceived opposition between flourishing economies and a thriving natural world. The two are not mutually exclusive — both can happen at the same time.” — Fatmata Lovetta Sesay, Ph.D, Resident Representative, UNDP Rwanda 🌍 “Nature is really the foundation of our economy… There is no business on a dead planet.” — Angela Graham-Brown, Director of Nature Action, WBCSD – World Business Council for Sustainable Development 🤝 “We need concerted action… That’s where standards like the biodiversity standard of ISO are helping — by creating credibility, rigor and comparability.” — Marco Lambertini, Convener, Nature Positive Initiative 💧 “Standards level the playing field. SMEs like us can demonstrate in a practical manner how we’re impacting biodiversity — just like large corporations.” — Yvette Ishimwe, Founder & CEO, IRIBA Water Group 🌐 “The standard gives a practical roadmap for all kinds of organizations to integrate biodiversity into their strategy… It’s the first tool in the toolbox.” — Franck Lebeugle, Director of Standardization, AFNOR Group 💡 Key takeaway:  ISO 17298 helps every organization — large or small — act for nature while strengthening long-term business value and resilience. Read the full story: https://lnkd.in/eVCPxhNc. Get the standard: https://lnkd.in/ehxuFSBr #ISO17298 #ISOBiodiversity Caroline Lhuillery Matthieu DELABIE Fanny Bancourt David Alvarez García