Recap Day 4

ISO General Assembly

The 2025 ISO General Assembly brought together governance figures and ISO members from across the globe for a powerful moment of collaboration and decision-making. Against the backdrop of this year’s theme, “United for impact”, it was a session charged with energy and ambition – charting bold directions for ISO’s future, strengthening the global standards system, and reaffirming the power of working together to tackle shared challenges.

I firmly believe that partnerships – across the standards ecosystem and beyond – are key to achieving our goals. We must break out of our silos and tap into the knowledge and reach of organizations from across sectors.

A new chapter begins for ISO

One of the most symbolic moments of the General Assembly was the passing of the baton to Dr Khaled Soufi of Egypt, who will take up the role of ISO President in January 2026. A respected leader in international standardization and governance, Dr Soufi steps forward to guide ISO into its next era – strengthening global cooperation and shaping standards that rise to the challenges of a changing world.

I believe ISO has a unique role to play in reshaping the world, creating bridges between nations, industries and people, and ensuring that standards continue to be a global language of trust, quality and cooperation.

Big win for circular economy

A highlight of the General Assembly was the announcement of this year’s Lawrence D. Eicher Award – and the spotlight shone brightly on ISO/TC 323, Circular economy. Celebrated for its trailblazing work on standards that support the global shift to a more sustainable, resource-smart economy, the committee embodies the very essence of “United for impact”. Accepting the award from ISO President Dr Cho, committee Chair Catherine Chevauché called it a powerful recognition of how standards can accelerate the transition to a circular economy and shape a more sustainable future.

2 October 2025

Circular economy experts win top ISO award

In recognition of their global impact, an international team of experts is awarded the prestigious LDE Award.

Thank you for this recognition that compels us to act quickly for our planet’s future.

Read more from Catherine Chevauché:

More value, less waste: Rethinking growth in a circular world

To make circularity the global mainstream, we must align policies, business models and consumer behaviour – bound by shared standards and a long-term sense of responsibility.

A rising voice for sustainability

Hot off the stage at the General Assembly – Kganya Nkazimulo Sidange is the winner of the 2025 ISO Next Generation Award! An environmental scientist and engineer from Zimbabwe, Kganya is blazing a trail for sustainability, from championing safer, greener mining practices to empowering communities on the front lines of change.

The “Next Gen” Award honours young professionals from ISO members who are advancing sustainable practices through the power of standardization.

The next generation is ready to play its role and stand together with the rest of the world to make an impact and, with no voice too small, trust that we will be resoundingly loud.

ISO and ARSO sign milestone agreement

History has just been made in Kigali: ISO and the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) signed the landmark Kigali Agreement, opening a bold new chapter in global standardization. Building on decades of collaboration, this milestone deal strengthens Africa’s voice on the world stage and sets out a powerful framework for shaping the standards that will guide our shared future.

The Agreement will drive greater regional engagement, unlock new trade opportunities and fuel sustainable development, helping to advance the ambitions of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

The Kigali Agreement is a milestone in our long-standing partnership with ARSO. ISO is proud to support Africa’s journey toward greater economic integration under AfCFTA.

9 October 2025

ISO and ARSO sign landmark Kigali Agreement to boost technical cooperation and advance free trade in Africa

Kigali, Rwanda, 9 October 2025 – The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) have today signed the historic Kigali Agreement, establishing …

Until we meet again… in Paris!

As the curtain falls on an unforgettable week in Kigali, we leave inspired by the ideas shared, the connections forged and the bold steps taken together to shape a better future through standards. From landmark milestones like the signing of the Kigali Agreement to powerful conversations on biodiversity, trade, AI and beyond, this year’s Annual Meeting truly embodied the spirit of “united for impact”.

But our journey doesn’t end here. The conversations, collaborations and ambitions sparked in Kigali will continue – and we can’t wait to build on them when the global standards community gathers again next year in Paris, France. See you there!