In January 2026, Dr. Khaled Soufi, President of the Egyptian Organization for Standardization (EOS), officially assumed the role of President of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). In his inaugural address, he articulated his vision for ISO: to forge it into a platform of cooperation and inclusivity, positioning international standards as a pivotal force for accelerating innovation and sustainable development.
Our world is currently navigating an era of rapid transformation and escalating uncertainty, making international standards more crucial than ever. They provide consistency in the face of change, authority amidst doubt, and unity against fragmentation. Standards foster thriving innovation by offering frameworks and mechanisms that ensure products, services, and systems meet measurable quality requirements. This makes standards a powerful catalyst for international trade; serving as a common language, they build trust, promote interoperability, and support sustainable and equitable global development. My vision for ISO is clear: to ensure it remains a central pillar of multilateral cooperation, strengthening the critical role of standards in driving sustainable progress and shaping the digital innovations of our shared future. The following outlines specific pathways to realize this vision.
ISO must continue to lead in developing high-quality international standards that reflect cutting-edge levels, meet market demands, and offer solutions to global challenges. Particularly in high-impact areas like emerging technologies and environmental sustainability, our work is propelling innovation and accelerating the transition to responsible, equitable, and resilient practices. The joint committee established by ISO and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) for artificial intelligence and quantum technologies exemplifies our commitment to advancing new technologies. Through efforts in biodigital convergence, the metaverse, and brain-computer interfaces, we are collectively shaping the future of the digital age. In the climate sphere, ISO provides trusted, globally-consensus-based standards for energy management, greenhouse gas accounting, and climate change adaptation and mitigation, helping to translate commitments into measurable, impactful action. Simultaneously, our work on biodiversity and the circular economy enables organizations of all kinds to contribute to the sustainable management and regeneration of natural resources.
Digital transformation is reshaping industries and societies, making agility, relevance, and proactivity essential. Beyond driving innovation through standards, ISO itself must innovate—modernizing its tools, systems, and working methods to anticipate global needs and deliver timely, adaptable standards to the widest possible audience. The launch of the ISO AI Companion, the introduction of the Online Standards Development (OSD) platform, and the establishment of a joint ISO-IEC single delivery unit (SDU) for SMART projects are significant milestones in our digital journey. By adopting new technologies to streamline processes, enhance quality, and reduce development times, we ensure ISO's continued relevance in a fast-evolving world.
These collective efforts underscore that success cannot be achieved in isolation. Effective standards emerge from collaboration and consensus among communities of experts spanning borders and disciplines. As last year's ISO Annual Meeting in Kigali, themed "Building Impact Together," emphasized, I believe we must harness our collective strength to achieve bold, lasting change. This means innovating by seeking strategic partnerships beyond traditional technical domains, engaging both public and private sectors. By working closely with governments, industry leaders, academia, and civil society, we can help break down barriers, foster harmonization, and strengthen coherence within the global standards ecosystem. Recent initiatives highlight the power of such collaboration. Our partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to develop the ISO/UNDP Guidance on SDGs is accelerating progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The collaboration with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol organization marks a significant step towards broader harmonization and the joint development of standards for GHG measurement and reporting. Furthermore, our cooperation with the IEC and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) under the World Standards Cooperation framework continually demonstrates that international standards are tools for amplifying impact. At the heart of this global ecosystem are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Accounting for over 90% of businesses globally and contributing roughly half of global GDP, SMEs are hotbeds of innovation and vital contributors to national and regional economies. However, they often face unique challenges due to limited funding 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—in building trust, demonstrating credibility, and accessing global markets. In this way, standards become not just technical tools, but practical enablers of opportunity and growth.
The 2025 World Development Report sends a clear and urgent message: international standards are now central to global development, especially for low- and middle-income countries. Standards are no longer just a bonus—they determine a nation's ability to trade, adopt new technologies, and compete in a rapidly changing global economy. For ISO, this call translates into concrete priorities for 2026 and beyond. We must broaden the participation of developing countries in standards development, ensuring their national priorities help shape the standards of global markets. We must accelerate capacity building, enabling countries to strategically use standards to drive innovation, enhance resilience, and achieve sustainable growth. We must also increase support for digital transformation, helping ISO members prepare digitally and in AI to participate fully in the new era of international standardization. These priorities are embedded in the new ISO Action Plan for Developing Countries (APDC) 2026-2030, aligned with the remaining timeline of the UN SDGs. This plan provides a roadmap to equip members with the tools, skills, and institutional frameworks needed to effectively use standards—spanning areas from trade facilitation to digital governance, and from climate action to inclusive economic development. This is not merely about capacity building; it is a responsibility that will define ISO's impact for years to come. For standards to serve the world, they must reflect the world. ISO can only achieve true global relevance by listening to the voices of all its members and embodying their diverse needs. Building a more inclusive ISO community—one that fosters trust, confidence, and equitable outcomes—is paramount to achieving our mission. Inclusivity must also span generations. Younger generations will fully experience the impacts of the AI revolution and climate change; therefore, their perspectives are indispensable for shaping a responsible and sustainable future. ISO needs to deepen its understanding and engagement with young professionals, creating opportunities for their active participation in standards development. Fresh ideas, new skill sets, and forward-thinking will ensure ISO remains relevant, representative, and future-ready.
Throughout my career, I have witnessed firsthand how international standards transform industries, strengthen governance, and foster cross-border cooperation. These experiences have convinced me of the power of standards to build trust, drive innovation, and pave the way for sustainable progress. Looking ahead, by working together and sharing our expertise, we can amplify the role of international standards in shaping a smarter, more resilient, and more sustainable future. As I begin my term as ISO President, I do so with a deep sense of honor, humility, and firm resolve, fully aware of the responsibility entrusted to me by the ISO members. I look forward to working closely with all of you, our partners, and stakeholders to turn this shared vision into reality—united in making people's lives easier, safer, and better. President of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Dr. Khaled Soufi