Biodiversity isn’t just an environmental priority, it’s fast becoming a business imperative. An interactive session brought together representatives from government, business and organizations to explore why biodiversity matters and how global standards can turn commitment into action.
What makes biodiversity a boardroom issue?
Economic risk: Nature underpins every sector, with most industries moderately or highly reliant on healthy ecosystems.
Business risk: Biodiversity loss brings legal, regulatory and reputational risks – and can disrupt operations.
Business opportunity: Investing in nature fuels innovation, opens new markets and drives sustainable growth.
By 2050, about USD 11 billion a year of GDP gain could come from better stewardship of nature.
Participants in the session also got an exclusive first look at ISO’s brand-new biodiversity standard, designed to help every sector – from fashion to finance – integrate nature into strategy, unlock new opportunities and drive nature-positive growth.
Fatmata Lovetta Sesay from UNDP Rwanda explains how the new ISO biodiversity standard will guide Rwanda’s path forward.
ISO 17298: opportunities for business
Nature needs action. ISO 17298 delivers.
From boardrooms to government offices, ISO’s new biodiversity standard helps organizations everywhere embed nature into strategy and decision-making, contributing to a more resilient and sustainable future. ISO 17298 charts a future where economic success and ecological health go hand in hand.
Good for nature and smart for business, Hon. Dr Bernadette Arakwiye highlights the benefits of ISO 17298.
ISO 17298 is the first International Standard for biodiversity. We can be very proud of that today.
AgriTech rising
Across Africa, a new generation of innovators is reimagining one of humanity’s oldest industries. This energizing session explored how young leaders – armed with digital skills, fresh ideas and a deep connection to the land – are transforming agriculture and reshaping what’s possible far beyond the fields. From tech-driven solutions to purpose-led enterprises, their bold vision is tackling real-world challenges, bridging generations and planting the seeds of a more resilient, future-ready world.
Moderator Nelly Rwagitare, Global Shapers Community – Kigali Hub, leads a dynamic conversation with Hon. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, Rwanda’s Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Cynthia Umutoniwabo, Founder & CEO of Loopa, and Mikel Ngueajio, Adjunct-Instructor, Carnegie Mellon University Africa, on how a new generation of innovators is reshaping agriculture across Africa.
Standards are a passport to competitiveness. They are important to reach high-value markets and transform your ideas into global, accepted high-value entreprises.
Upping your game
Collaboration is at the heart of the ISO Annual Meeting. Working together to solve challenges, test strategies and think creatively, participants discovered how interactive board games can spark dialogue, strengthen teamwork and reveal the power of collective decision-making to drive real-world solutions.
Game on: Students and teachers dive into serious games, exploring new ways to connect and collaborate on standards.
Young voices,
big impact
Young people are making their presence felt at the ISO Annual Meeting, bringing fresh perspectives and new energy to the conversation. From high-school students to young professionals, they are eager to learn, contribute and explore how standards shape the world around them, and their voices are adding real value to discussions about the future of standardization.
Angela Graham BrownDirector of Nature Action, World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)
