Kigali — The world’s leading voices in standardization, innovation, and sustainable development have converged in Rwanda’s capital this week for the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Annual General Meeting 2025, hosted at the Kigali Convention Center.

Presiding over the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva underscored the vital role of standardization in promoting fair growth and shared prosperity.
“Standardization must remain a cornerstone of equitable and sustainable development,” he said. “This means aligning standards across markets, building ecosystems that support business access, and deepening cooperation to share knowledge and best practices.”

Held under the theme “United for Impact: Turning Shared Vision into Global Change,” the ISO Annual Meeting runs from 6–10 October 2025. The event has transformed Kigali into a global hub for dialogue on how standards can drive solutions for a more sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready world.

Hosted by the Rwanda Standards Board (RSB), the gathering brings together policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and international organizations, both in person and online,to collaborate on shaping the next era of global standards.

The ISO Annual Meeting, one of the organization’s most important events, provides a platform for member countries to exchange insights on how technical standards influence everyday life, from product safety and climate action to trade facilitation and digital transformation.

This year’s edition in Kigali reflects Rwanda’s growing reputation as a convening space for innovation and global cooperation. The country’s commitment to sustainable development and regional leadership in quality assurance has positioned it as an ideal host for discussions that bridge policy, technology, and human progress.