The world’s premier annual event on International Standards unites for global impact this week in Rwanda

Today,  6^th October 2025 – Right Honourable Dr Justin Nsengiyumva, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Rwanda officiated the opening ceremony of the International Organization for Standardization’s (ISO) Annual Meeting 2025 (AM25) in Kigali.

Right Honourable Dr Justin Nsengiyumva, Prime Minister of Rwanda

The Annual Meeting for the year 2025 gathers more than thousand delegates participating in-person and will gather more than 20,000 participants online from more than 170 countries this week to advance action on International Standards and their role in achieving the global sustainable development agenda.

Hosted in Kigali, Rwanda, by Rwanda Standards Board (RSB), ISO’s member for the country, ISO’s AM25 takes place from 6-10 October under the theme ‘United for Impact’.

Hon. Prudence Sebahizi, Rwanda’s Minister of Trade and Industry, welcomed participants, underscoring the country’s commitment to leveraging standards for economic growth and global collaboration:

“We are honoured to welcome the global standards community to Rwanda for ISO AM25. This event reflects our belief that international cooperation is key to addressing the world’s pressing challenges,” Minister Sebahizi said.

“Rwanda is proud to showcase how standards accelerate innovation, support inclusive development, and empower communities. Hosting this meeting is both a milestone for our country and an opportunity to strengthen partnerships and inspire global impact.”

Honourable Prudence Sebahizi, Minister of Trade and Industry-Rwanda

ISO Secretary-General, Sergio Mujica, encouraged participants to bring bold ideas and diverse perspectives to the table, emphasizing the importance of collective action in driving meaningful, transformative change.

“International Standards are key to unlocking economic opportunity, advancing inclusive digital transformation, and recognizing the vital role of people in shaping a resilient and sustainable future,” Mr Mujica said.

“At ISO AM25, we will bring all the necessary stakeholders together – to future-proof our global systems to meet global needs and hear all voices. The week will also empower decision-makers with actionable solutions to harness innovation, drive sustainable progress, and transform ambitions into measurable results. 

Mr Sergio Mujica, ISO Secretary General

Open to anyone, the ISO Annual Meeting provides a unique opportunity to engage in forward-looking dialogue with global leaders and representatives from the ISO community, national standards bodies, civil society, international organizations, the private sector, as well as policy makers, academics and young professionals.

 ISO President Dr Sung Hwan Cho said the event would serve as a pivotal gathering uniting ISO members, governance bodies, and key stakeholders globally.

“The theme ‘United for Impact’ calls us to harness our collective strength in a world that needs bold, lasting change,” Dr Cho said.

“The ISO Annual Meeting is our most important global platform to explore how International Standards can address the world’s evolving challenges. It’s a unique space to reflect on emerging trends, exchange ideas, and strengthen the role of standards in advancing on global issues.

Dr Cho Hwan Cho, ISO President

“This week-long hybrid programme reflects our belief that meaningful change emerges from global collaboration. By uniting diverse voices across borders, we drive bold, inclusive solutions through International Standards – ensuring no one is left behind.

“We are proud to be hosting this year’s Annual Meeting in Rwanda, and deeply grateful to the Republic of Rwanda, and our Member Rwanda Standards Board for their partnership and leadership in bringing the global standards community together.”

Rwanda’s hosting of ISO AM25 positions the country as a continental leader in standardization and quality infrastructure, reinforcing its vision as a regional hub for innovation and trade. Right Honourable Dr Justin Nsengiyumva, Prime Minister remarked:

“Hosting the ISO Annual Meeting here is both a privilege & a reflection of our shared belief that collaboration and common standards can shape a better future for all.Through the efforts of ISO and its Member States, order, structure and meaning are brought to the way nations live, trade, innovate and cooperate". Prime Minister Dr Justin Nsengiyumva added at the opening of ISO Annual Meeting.

Participants at the opening ceremony

ISO AM25’s two pillars, Future-ready Together and Solutions with Impact, will frame the official programme, driving standards-based solutions for the future.

The ISO Annual Meeting is a hybrid international event brought to each continent on a rotating basis, enabling participation of members and communities from across the world.  The event is expected to showcase Rwanda’s achievements in implementing standards across key sectors including digital economy, manufacturing, and agriculture, while opening opportunities for knowledge exchange and capacity building for local stakeholders.

ISO AM25 is open to all, providing a unique opportunity for global leaders, national standards bodies, civil society, international organizations, the private sector, policymakers, academics and young professionals to engage in forward-looking dialogue.

Participants globally can engage online via www.iso.org/annualmeeting.