The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is a global body that brings together experts from across industries, governments, and civil society to develop voluntary, consensus-based standards that address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. With members from 170 countries, ISO provides a unique platform for international collaboration, ensuring that knowledge, technology, and best practices are shared to drive innovation and efficiency across sectors. In the face of accelerating environmental crises—ranging from climate change to biodiversity loss and pollution—ISO standards offer essential tools for businesses, policymakers, and communities to adopt sustainable practices, measure their environmental impact, and implement effective solutions.

By fostering global alignment on technical and policy frameworks, ISO helps create a common language for sustainability, enabling cross-border cooperation and strengthening collective action.

At the heart of ISO’s environmental work is the ISO Environmental Management Technical Committee (ISO/TC 207), which develops standards that support organizations in minimizing their environmental footprint and enhancing resilience to environmental risks. The committee’s flagship series, ISO 14000, provides globally recognized frameworks for environmental management systems, climate action, life cycle assessment, and sustainable finance, among other critical areas. These standards play a crucial role in guiding industries and governments toward greener economies, aligning environmental responsibility with economic growth. By bringing together experts from diverse backgrounds, the ISO Environmental Management Technical Committee ensures that standards are scientifically rigorous, practically implementable, and universally relevant—helping to accelerate the transition toward a more sustainable and climate-resilient world.

The Plenary will be held in Shanghai, China, at the Shanghai International Convention Center Oriental Riverside Hotel located at No. 2727 Binjiang Avenue from December 5-12, 2026.

Residing upon the nearly 17-acre Aga Khan Park, the Ismaili Centre, Toronto was designed by award-winning Indian architect, Charles Correa. Fusing the rich traditions of Islamic architecture with contemporary forms and modern materials, Correa’s vision for the building was to have an ambassadorial space that would foster the understanding of pluralism, which was brought to life in partnership with local Toronto studio Moriya & Teshima Architects.

The 6th of its kind globally, the Ismaili Centre, Toronto is part of a network of Centres that include Vancouver, London, Lisbon, Dubai, and Dushanbe, Tajikistan in Central Asia. The 7th Ismaili Centre is under construction in Houston. The Centres are designed to convey the harmonious unions of spirituality, art, and nature while creating architecturally unique spaces for contemplation, cultural celebrations, and educational purposes.

In designing it, Charles Correa’s vision was to create a building that responds to the traditions of Islamic architecture in a contemporary design using modern materials. Through programmes ranging from lectures, seminars and exhibitions to cultural and social events, the Ismaili Centre creates an understanding of the values, ethics, culture and heritage of Ismaili Muslims, and of the work of the Aga Khan Development Network.

ISO P-member countries may be eligible for funding to support ISO technical work, including the activities that are being undertaken as part of the ISO/TC 207 International Plenary. The activities being undertaken need to be linked to the country’s National Standardization Strategy. There are three possible sources of funds which may be available to eligible ISO members to access.

1. ISO MEMBER-CHOICE SPONSORSHIP

In the framework of the ISO Action Plan for developing countries 2021-2025, ISO provides funded travel assistance to support the participation of its developing country members, who are eligible for ISO capacity building support, in the work of ISO. The sponsorship entitles travel assistance to five (5) meetings in a given calendar year and covers the cost of flights, hotel accommodation and other travel-related expenses for the chosen participant. ISO developing country members may request sponsorship to attend meetings of ISO technical committees (TC) or subcommittees (SC) or working groups (WG) linked to their national priorities.

2. ISO LEADERSHIP SPONSORSHIP TO LEAD ISO TECHNICAL WORK (COMMITTEE MANAGER, CONVENOR, PROJECT LEADER)

This new sponsorship programme is piloted under the framework of the ISO Action Plan for developing countries 2021-2025. Funded travel assistance is made available to support the participation of selected leadership positions (committee manager, convenor, project leader) held by developing countries eligible for ISO capacity building support.

The sponsorship provides travel assistance for up to two (2) leadership positions per calendar year and per country and covers the cost of flights, hotel accommodation and other travel-related expenses. For 1-day meetings, we strongly encourage online participation.

The ISO sponsorship is not available to attend meetings of technical or strategic advisory groups (SAG or TAG), the Chairs meetings, CAG meetings, the Technical Management Board (TMB) and Plenaries of CASCO or COPOLCO or DEVCO.

3. ISO PROJECT SPONSORSHIP

This sponsorship programme is implemented under the framework of the ISO Action Plan for developing countries 2021-2025. This sponsorship programme is available for selected ISO projects, for which an announcement is made via ISO documents of the respective TC/SC.

How to request sponsorship?

All requests for sponsorship should be sent by email to sponsorship@iso.org, with copy to the CEO or equivalent of your NSB. The e-mail should provide:

The exact title of the meeting;

• Dates and venue (city, country) where the meeting will take place;

• The name of the candidate for whom sponsorship is requested; and

• A copy of the agenda.

Email a request to: sponsorship@iso.org

It is our great pleasure to extend this exclusive invitation to experience the extraordinary allure of Shanghai — a city where centuries of heritage seamlessly intertwine with the pulse of global modernity.

As China's foremost international metropolis and a leading financial hub of the Asia-Pacific region, Shanghai stands as a living testament to the art of transformation. Here, colonial-era grandeur along the Bund gazes across the Huangpu River at the soaring skyline of Lujiazui, creating a visual dialogue between history and innovation that exists nowhere else on earth. From the tranquil pavilions of a 460-year-old Ming Dynasty garden to the cutting-edge thrills of a Disney resort infused with distinctly Chinese artistry, Shanghai offers a multifaceted journey through time, culture, and ambition.

We have curated the following selection of signature destinations to provide you with an immersive introduction to this remarkable city：

1. The Bund

"A Museum of Architecture & Shanghai's 'World Living Room'"

On the west bank of the Huangpu River, 52 buildings of various styles stand in a row—Gothic, Baroque, Classicalist—forming a unique "Exhibition of International Architecture." It is recommended to admire the architectural details during the day and enjoy the dazzling light show of Lujiazui across the river at night. Standing here, the "Ten Miles of Foreign Concession" from Shanghai's post-1843 era and the 21st-century skyscrapers face each other across the river, where history and the future converge in this very moment.

2. Lujiazui

"Above the Clouds, Touching the Skyline"

The skyscraper cluster across the Huangpu River is Shanghai's calling card as a global financial center. You can ascend the observation decks of the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, or the Shanghai World Financial Center to overlook the entire city from the clouds. When the setting sun paints the roofs of the classical buildings on the Bund amber, with the LED giant screens of Lujiazui in the background, this visual montage is a "magic moment" unique to Shanghai.

3. Yu Garden & City God Temple

"A Jiangnan Daydream Inside a Ming Dynasty Private Garden"

Nestled amidst the towering skyscrapers lies a Jiangnan-style garden with over 460 years of history. This is the perfect place to experience "Old Shanghai" charm: inside the garden, pavilions, rockeries, and ponds create a new scene with every step; outside, the Nine-Bend Bridge bustles with crowds, and the aroma of Nanxiang soup dumplings fills the air. The Yu Garden Lantern Festival has even "gone global" as a cultural icon, where cyberpunk-style lanterns contrast delightfully with the classical garden.

4. Shanghai Disney Resort

"Authentic Disney, Uniquely Chinese Flair"

This is mainland China's first Disneyland and one of the world's most popular theme parks. The spires of the landmark "Enchanted Storybook Castle" are adorned with golden peonies (symbolizing prosperity), auspicious clouds, and the magnolia—Shanghai's city flower. In addition to the classic TRON Lightcycle Power Run, the resort features the world's only Zootopia-themed land. It has both Disney's magic and endearing Chinese details.

5. Wukang Road & Anfu Road

"A Century of Romance Under French Plane Trees"

This is one of Shanghai's most beloved walking routes. The Wukang Building cuts through the street like a giant ship—a must-photo spot. Along the roadside, the red-tiled roofs of old villas hide beneath dense canopies of French plane trees, while the streets are lined with cafes, concept boutiques, and galleries. Walking here, you're not just a spectator; you become part of Shanghai's leisurely daily life.

The ISO Environmental Management Technical Committee working group meetings are open only to official delegates of National Standards Bodies and official liaison organization. Given the scope and the objectives of the Climate Resilience of Health Systems, Climate Resilience of Water Infrastructure systems, and the Digital Horizons programs, these programs are by invitation only. If you believe you can make a contribution to these discussions and wish to be considered for an invitation, please e-mail us.