The Plenary will be held in Toronto, Ontario Canada at the Ismaili Centre located at 49 Wynford Dr, Toronto, Ontario.

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.

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.

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

Experience the beauty of Niagara Falls, located on the Canada/United States border, formed by the Niagara River connecting Lake Erie to Lake Ontario. It is approximately a 1.5 hour drive from the Ismaili Centre by car, or 2 hours with public transportation.

Niagara Falls is one of Canada’s iconic natural wonders and is consistently ranked among Canada’s top tourist attractions, hosting over 13 million visitors annually with its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Beyond its breathtaking views, the falls hold historical significance as a site of Indigenous gatherings and colonial trade routes, while modern attractions like the Maid of the Mist boat tours and illuminated evening displays showcase its operational blend of adventure and accessibility.

The region emphasizes renewable energy through hydroelectric power generation and protects natural ecosystems via initiatives like the Niagara Glen Nature Reserve and Botanical Gardens. Niagara Parks’ commitment to conservation, including waste reduction and climate action, reflects a dedication to balancing tourism growth with environmental stewardship, supporting principles of sustainable development that resonate with global green efforts.

Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, also in Niagara Falls, is a playground for the curious, offering a wild journey through the bizarre and the extraordinary. This tourist attraction has more than 400 exhibits and is a hub for education and hands-on fun.

Edwards Gardens, located 2.3 km away from the Ismaili Centre Toronto, offers botanical diversity and seasonal displays, aligning with ecological stewardship through plant conservation and educational programs.

Casa Loma, Toronto’s iconic Gothic Revival castle at 1 Austin Terrace, was built in 1914 by financier Sir Henry Pellatt, featuring 98 opulent rooms, secret passages, and five acres of manicured gardens. Now a museum and event venue, it attracts over 650,000 annual visitors.

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, located near Toronto’s CN Tower, captivates visitors with 20,000+ aquatic creatures from tiger sharks to glowing jellyfish and is North America’s longest underwater viewing tunnel. You will experience a huge offering of immersive encounters with marine life

The CN Tower, standing at 553 meters (1,815 feet), dominates Toronto’s skyline with its main observation level (346 meters) and SkyPod (447 meters) that offers panoramic views of Lake Ontario and the city. Thrill-seekers can brave the EdgeWalk, a hands-free walk 356 meters above ground, while others enjoy the glass floor or dine at the revolving 360 Restaurant.

Trillium Park, located at 955 Lake Shore Boulevard West, is a revitalized waterfront gem born from the Ontario Place revitalization project. Opened in 2017, it blends Indigenous heritage with ecological design, featuring the William G. Davis Trail - a 1.3-kilometer path offering skyline and Lake Ontario views - and the Ravine with Moccasin Identifier, a stone-carved tribute to First Nations history.

Scotiabank Arena, Toronto’s premier multi-purpose venue at 40 Bay St., hosts the National Hockey League’s Toronto Maple Leafs games, National Basketball Association’s Toronto Raptors games, and major concerts.

The St. Lawrence Market offers Toronto’s diverse food culture through local specialties, artisanal goods, and global cuisine. A historic hub blending Victorian charm with vibrant energy, it’s a must-visit for foodies and culture lovers seeking authentic experiences, from fresh produce to handmade crafts.

The Halloween Parade is a hit with tourists with its free, pedestrian-only street party featuring amazing costumes, live performances, and after-parties at LGBTQ+-friendly venues. This iconic event transforms six blocks of Church Street into a vibrant spectacle, blending creativity, community, and spooky fun.

Toronto’s City Hall captivates visitors with its iconic curved towers and modernist architecture, offering guided tours of its council chamber and panoramic city views from the 27th-floor observation deck.

The schedule of events will be made available shortly.