In these times of rapid transformation and rising uncertainty across the world, International Standards matter more than ever. They provide consistency in the face of change, authority in the face of doubt and unity in the face of fragmentation.
Standards facilitate the flourishing of innovation by providing frameworks and mechanisms that ensure products, services and systems meet measurable quality criteria. This makes them powerful catalysts for international trade, establishing a common language that generates trust and promotes interoperability, supporting sustainable and equitable development worldwide.
My vision for ISO is clear: to ensure that we remain a central pillar of multilateral cooperation, reinforcing the pivotal role of standards in advancing sustainable progress and the digital innovation that is shaping all our futures. Here are some of the ways we will bring this vision to life.
State-of-the-art standards for the modern world
ISO must continue to lead in developing high-quality International Standards that embody the state of the art, address market needs and offer solutions to global challenges. In particular, our work in two high-profile sectors – emerging technologies and environmental sustainability – is driving innovation and accelerating progress towards responsible, equitable and resilient practices.
ISO and IEC’s joint committees on AI and quantum exemplify our dedication to advancing new technologies. Together, we are shaping the future of the digital age through our work in bio-digital convergence, the metaverse and brain–computer interfaces.
In the climate field, ISO’s trusted, globally agreed standards on energy management, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate change adaptation and mitigation help turn commitments into measurable, impactful actions. Meanwhile, our efforts in biodiversity and circular economy empower all types of organizations to contribute to the sustainable management and renewal of natural resources.
Future-ready through digital evolution
As the digital transformation reshapes industries and societies, remaining agile, relevant and proactive is essential. As well as driving innovation through standards, ISO itself must innovate – modernizing its tools, systems and ways of working to anticipate global needs and deliver timely, adaptable standards for the widest possible audience.
The rollout of the ISO AI Companion and the Online Standards Development platform (OSD), along with the creation of a joint ISO–IEC single delivery unit (SDU) for the SMART programme, are major milestones in our digital evolution. By embracing new technologies to streamline processes, improve quality and reduce production times, we can ensure that ISO remains fit for purpose in a fast-changing world.
A global standards ecosystem
These joint endeavours emphasize that success cannot be gained in isolation. Effective standards are the result of collaboration and consensus between groups of experts working across borders and sectors. Echoing the theme of the ISO Annual Meeting in Kigali – “United for impact” – I believe it’s vital that we harness our collective strength in order to achieve bold, lasting change.
This means innovating by seeking strategic partnerships beyond the traditional technical community, from both public and private sectors. By working closely with governments, industry leaders, academia and civil society, we can help break down silos, foster harmonization and strengthen alignment across the global standards ecosystem.
Recent initiatives highlight the power of this collective approach. Our partnership with the United Nations Development Programme produced the ISO/UNDP Guidelines for the SDGs, accelerating progress towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Cooperation with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol marks an important step towards greater harmonization, and the joint development of standards for measuring and reporting greenhouse gas emissions.
Meanwhile, our work within the World Standards Cooperation, alongside IEC and ITU, continues to amplify our collective message of International Standards as tools for impact.
At the heart of this global ecosystem lie small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Accounting for more than 90 % of businesses and around half of global GDP, SMEs are hotbeds of innovation and vital contributors to national and regional economies. Yet they often face unique challenges due to limited funds or resources, hindering them from reaching their full potential.
ISO can help level the playing field by providing adaptable International Standards that support SMEs – particularly those in developing countries – to build trust, demonstrate credibility and access the global market. In this way, standards become not only technical tools, but practical enablers of opportunity and growth.
Inclusive standards for a more equitable future
The World Development Report 2025 sends a clear and urgent signal: International Standards are now central to global development, especially for low- and middle-income countries. Standards are no longer simply nice-to-haves – they determine countries’ ability to trade, to adopt new technologies safely and to compete in a rapidly shifting global economy.
For ISO, this call translates into concrete priorities for 2026 and beyond. We must expand the participation of developing countries in standards development, ensuring their national priorities shape the standards that define global markets. We must accelerate capacity building so countries can use standards strategically – to drive innovation, strengthen resilience and unlock sustainable growth. And we must scale support for digital transformation, helping ISO members build the digital and AI readiness needed to engage fully in the new era of international standardization.
These priorities are embedded in the new ISO Action Plan for developing countries (APDC) 2026–2030, which aligns with the remaining UN SDG timeline. The Action Plan offers a roadmap to equip members with the tools, skills and institutional systems required to use standards effectively – for everything from trade facilitation to digital governance, climate action to inclusive economic development. This is about more than simply strengthening our members – it is a responsibility that will define ISO’s impact in the years ahead.
For standards to serve the world, they must reflect the world. ISO can only achieve true global relevance when the voices of all our members are heard and their diverse needs represented. Building a more inclusive ISO community – one that enables trust, confidence and equitable outcomes – is essential to our mission.
Inclusivity must also extend across generations. Young people will experience the full impact of the AI revolution and climate change; their perspectives are therefore indispensable in shaping a responsible and sustainable future. ISO needs to deepen its understanding of and engagement with young professionals, creating opportunities for their active participation in standards development. Fresh ideas, new skillsets and forward-thinking perspectives will ensure ISO remains relevant, representative and future-ready.
United for progress
Throughout my career, I have witnessed first-hand how International Standards transform industries, strengthen governance and enhance cross-border cooperation. These experiences lie at the heart of my certainty in the power of standards to build trust, drive innovation and create pathways for sustainable progress.
Looking ahead, by working together and drawing on our shared expertise, we can strengthen the role of International Standards in shaping a smarter, more resilient and sustainable future. As I step into my role as President of ISO, I do so with a deep sense of honour, humility and determination, fully mindful of the responsibility entrusted to me by ISO’s members. I look forward to working closely with you, our partners and stakeholders, to turn this shared vision into tangible impact – united in our ambition to make people’s lives easier, safer and better.
Dr Khaled Soufi
ISO President