Standards Pavilion

This introductory session provides a high-level overview of international standards for beginners, designed to offer a foundational understanding of standards beyond any single organization. The Pavilion Advisory Group, represented by ULSE, will provide participants with insights into the broader principles and applications of standards, including those from ISO, IEC and ULSE.

We will share our expertise, ensuring a well-rounded perspective on how standards function and their significance across various industries. This session is ideal for anyone new to the world of standards, offering a comprehensive yet accessible approach to this essential field.

Presented by Kolin Low, Regional Director, UL Standards & Engagement

The session brings to light how governments, international bodies and regulators can work together to accelerate meaningful change in the emerging future of energy access. Through the discussions, the session will aim to answer:

• How can we make energy accessible for everyone?
• Why is policy advocacy and incentivization crucial to ensure accessible energy for inclusive development?
• What are the megatrends in our electricity infrastructure that can be leveraged for sustainability applications?
• What is the role of international standards in ensuring an efficient infrastructure to enable energy access?

Moderated by

• Matthew Doherty, Senior Advisor & Officer, IEC Global Impact Fund

With

• Wini Rizkiningayu, Principal, Global South, RMI
• Bishal Thapa, Senior Director, CLASP
• Vimal Mahendru, Vice-President, IEC; Chair, IEC Systems Committee on Low Voltage Direct Current (LVDC)

This session aims to present an insightful overview of the Global Circularity Protocol for Business (GCP) and the progress achieved through this initiative. By 2026, the GCP aims to be the leading framework for action, equipping companies with a structured approach to set targets, measure, report, and disclose advancements in resource efficiency and circularity. It will also provide tailored policy guidance to accelerate the transition to circular business models and foster a regenerative economy.

Spearheaded by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and the One Planet Network, this collaborative initiative unites over 75 partners from industry, academia, NGOs, and policymakers.

With

• Dominic Waughray, Executive VP, WBCSD
• Noelia Garcia Nebra, Head of Sustainability, ISO

With the increase in climate change across the globe, the risk to people and property is growing. During this session, we’ll explore ways of addressing acute and chronic climate resilience hazards, including the rising severity of wildfires, urban heat islands, and the impact of extreme weather on energy systems and efficiency.

• What are examples of risk assessments that can be done for homes, businesses, area of installation of product assets, and more?
• How do product, home and building standards adjust to reflect climate adaptation?
• Are insurers or governments pushing for increase climate related performance requirements that will support limiting product failures in extreme weather events?

Moderated by

• Rick Ziegler, Head of Trade and Multilateral Affairs, UL Solutions

With

• Caitlin D’Onofrio, Senior Program Manager, UL Standards & Engagement
• Stuart Miller, Vice President and Executive Director, UL Research Institutes
• Adam Stingemore, Chief Development Officer, Standards Australia
• Judy Zakreski, Senior Vice President, Global Operations & Solutions, International Code Council

While global efforts towards the Paris Agreement have gained momentum, a critical gap remains between climate policy and on-the-ground action. This session explores how international standards, comparable metrics and mechanisms for compliance (Quality Infrastructure systems) can effectively bridge this gap, reduce emissions and boost global trade. To provide a practical example of how these efforts can drive impact, the session will draw on the OECD’s Inclusive Forum on Carbon Mitigation Approaches (IFCMA) work on carbon intensity metrics in bolstering low carbon goods markets.

Be part of the conversation that will help close the policy implementation gap.

Moderated by

• Peter Bakker, President, WBCSD

Panelists

• Sergio Mujica, Secretary-General, ISO
• Fabrizia Lapecorella, Deputy Secretary General, OECD
• Jean-Marie Paugam, Deputy Director General, WTO

Avoided emissions assessments are gaining traction in industry and finance as they introduce an opportunity-led perspective on corporate climate action. Considering avoided emissions metrics alongside carbon inventories, supports commercial and environmental goals. Efforts are underway to standardize methodologies, but a common understanding and harmonized approaches require broader stakeholder collaboration to drive adoption of low-carbon solutions and accelerate decarbonization.

• How are emerging voluntary standards influencing the adoption of avoided emissions practices in the real economy, finance, and policy to drive decarbonization?
• Which systemic elements, such as product-specific rules, standardized reference scenarios, and MRV capabilities, are crucial for scaling adoption beyond voluntary standards?
• What collaborative efforts and alignments are necessary among key actors to ensure practicability and build trust with target users?

Moderated by

• Marvin Henry, Senior Manager Avoided Emissions, WBCSD, The Netherlands

This AI for climate action innovation factory side event will feature AI-powered solutions for climate action addressing key climate challenges. Presented by the winners from the AI for Good Global Summit 2024 competitions, the session will highlight practical applications of AI in emission reduction, renewable energy integration, climate adaptation, impact monitoring through nuclear science, and sustainable agricultural practices. By focusing on scalable, AI-powered innovations, this event aims to demonstrate AI’s role in accelerating climate action across diverse sectors.

Moderated by

Carlo Tortola Bryda, Co-Founder & Task Force Member, NAIC ISAO

With

• Tomas Lamanauskas, Deputy Secretary-General, ITU
• Vijay Karia, Opticloud
• Bilel Jamoussi, Chief of the Study Groups Department, ITU

Trusted, recognized international standards are key to achieving net zero. In this dynamic session, we’ll explore how standards empower businesses, financial institutions and policymakers to drive bold, meaningful climate action. Learn to leverage existing systems of standards, accreditation and assurance to ensure compliance, enhance transparency and foster trust in climate initiatives. We’ll spotlight emerging standards designed to mobilize capital for climate action and drive real-economy emissions reductions.

Hear from experts including ISO, OECD, WBCSD and IIGCC to discover how your organization can lead the way in trusted, verifiable climate action – positioning you at the forefront of the global sustainability movement.

With

• Daniel Trillos, Twinned Convenor, ISO net zero standard, Colombian National Standards Body (ICONTEC)
• Alexander Nick, Director, Climate Action, World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)
• Jo Tyndall, Director, Environment Directorate, OECD
• Valentina Ramírez, Head of Climate Strategy Implementation, Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change (IIGCC)

Opening speeches (18:30-18:45) followed by networking reception

Remarks by

• Dr Sung Hwan Cho – President, ISO
• Vimal Mahendru – Vice-President and Chair of the Standardization Management Board, IEC
• Kolin Low – Regional Director, ULSE

This session will explore the intersection of finance and technical standards as a means to guide financial decision-making in renewable energy projects and mitigate design risks for project developers. The aim is to bring together different expertise and perspectives from key players in global finance, standardization and renewable energy on how to effectively link finance and renewable energy initiatives. They will share their insights on how they are helping to equip financial decision-makers with the knowledge to invest in renewable energy.

Moderated by

• James Wood, IEC Director of Communications

With

• Roger Cruz, Marketing and Uptake Lead, Fast Infra Label
• Matt Doherty, Senior Advisor & Officer, IEC Global Impact Fund 
• Erick Ruiz, Deputy Director, Project Facilitation and Support, IRENA 
• Caitlin D'Onofrio, Senior Program Manager, Standards, ULSE

As demand grows for the metals and minerals needed for the energy transition, stakeholders from across the world must contend with how to meet this demand without harming our planet.

Responsible mining standards are critical to this. They both support stakeholders to seek assurances that minerals are being produced responsibly and help to drive performance improvement across a range of sustainability challenges. However, we are increasingly hearing from investors, civil society, customers, policy makers and mining companies that the existing standards landscape has become too complex and inconsistent for stakeholders to effectively use, and too challenging and distracting for operators.

The Consolidated Mining Standard Initiative (CMSI), a collaboration between The Copper Mark, ICMM, Mining Association of Canada (MAC) and World Gold Council (WGC) to consolidate their different voluntary responsible mining standards into one global standard, seeks to address this complexity.

Through this fireside chat our panellists will discuss the urgent need for consolidation, and how it will help to drive improved performance at scale across the mining industry.

ESG reporting isn’t just important – it’s vital for driving transparency and accountability in sustainable business practices. However, organizations need more than just disclosure tools; they need tools to embed sustainability into their operations and achieve real performance backed by high-quality reporting.

How can organizations integrate ESG principles into their culture and management approach with international standards? How can organizations achieve credible verification and validation and meet reporting needs across all jurisdictions, organization types, sizes and maturity levels? Together, let’s unlock the full potential of ESG through international standards and work towards a sustainable future.

Moderated by

• Brady Allin, Director, Strategy and Integration, SCC, Canada

Opening remarks by

• Sergio Mujica, Secretary-General, ISO

Closing remarks by 

• David Bell, Director of Standards Policy, BSI, United Kingdom

With

• Martin Baxter, Deputy CEO, Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, United Kingdom
• Jorge Emanuel Reis Cajazeira, Head of International Affairs, ABNT, Brazil; ISO TMB Member. 
• Jenny Bofinger-Schuster, ISSB Member​, International Sustainability Standards Board​
• Sarita Severien, Sustainability Manager Climate Change, Suzano Pulp and Paper

This session will explore how the science, application, and regulation of measurement, in conjunction with other components of the quality infrastructure, assist with the delivery of better sustainability practices in trade. How can standards and measurement regulation actively contribute to more sustainable trade practices? How do measurement standards and technical regulations fit into the broader quality infrastructure, and how can they cooperate to achieve better coordinated offerings for consumers and society? What is needed to make measurement standards even better and more responsive in relation to sustainability and consumer needs?

With

• Dr Bobjoseph Mathew, OIML President
• Dr Martin Milton, Director, Bureau International de Poids et Mesures (BIPM)
• Dr Anil Mishra, Chief of Section, Hydrological Systems, Climate Change and Adaptation, UNESCO
• Dr Kamala Mammadzada, Deputy General Director, Director of the Department of Standardization, Azerbaijan Standards Institution

As the ICT sector continues to expand, its energy consumption becomes a critical challenge for global sustainability. Enhancing energy efficiency in this sector is crucial not only for reducing operational costs but also for mitigating environmental impact and combating climate change. This session, aligned with the objectives of the COP29 Standards Pavilion aims to empower climate action by demonstrating practical solutions and encouraging actionable steps. This session aims to amplify impact through interactive polling and discussion, showcasing relevant tools and standards, and demonstrate global leadership to inspire and promote positive actions in the ICT sector.

Opening remarks by

• Seizo Onoe, Director, Telecommunication Standardization Bureau, ITU

With

• Philippe Tuzzolino, Vice-President, Environment of the Orange Group
• Takeshi Kasai, Associate Senior Technologist, SENKO Advanced Components
• Hiroshi Yamamoto, Director, Standardization Office, NTT

Closing remarks by

• Bilel Jamoussi, Deputy Director, Telecommunication Standardization Bureau, ITU

As the world races to meet its climate goals, mobilizing trillions in investments has never been more crucial. This session brings together finance stakeholders to shape the New Collective Quantified Goal for Climate Finance and drive the adoption of harmonized global standards for sustainable finance. Together, we’ll explore strategies for advancing standards and taxonomies to support high-quality investments in the green transition, hear how policymakers are making a difference, and discover how international standards can support financial institutions and those seeking to raise capital to support their net-zero transition.

Join us as we chart a path to net zero through collaborative standards setting and targeted climate finance.

• David Bell, Policy Director, British Standards Institution, United Kingdom

A conversation between Gara Bayramov (AZSTAND) and David Bell (BSI) providing insights on

• How energy efficiency standards have evolved over the years
• What impact this evolution has had on shaping energy policies in the UK and globally
• What challenges were observed in the implementation of energy efficiency standards in various industries
• How these challenges can be addressed to enhance compliance and effectiveness.

The session at the COP29 pavilion will focus on the critical role of energy efficiency in climate action, in particular the goal of doubling energy efficiency improvements globally. Most electrical appliances lack harmonised global energy efficiency standards. The session will begin with the International Energy Agency (IEA) presenting the importance of energy efficiency in the broader context of climate action. It will also highlight how harmonised local standards have successfully advanced climate goals, with a focus on scaling up these efforts globally. In addition, a major electrical appliance manufacturer will demonstrate the benefits of supporting energy efficiency standards that enable greater interoperability and facilitate market entry, showing how this approach benefits not only climate goals but also the manufacturing sector. An engineer will provide insights from a technical perspective. Finally, the session will look at how the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) can set international standards for energy efficiency in electrical appliances, and how this message can be communicated through its national committees and taken forward for further action.

Moderated by

• James Wood, IEC Director of Communications

With

• Jane Cohen, International Energy Agency, Analyst
• Kana Iwazawa Daikin, External Relations Department, Assistant Manager
• Nida Rizwan Farid, CEET; Founder & Chief Engineer, NRF Engineering
• Howard Porter, Green Energy Expert; Board Member, IEC Market Strategy

Battery energy is part of the clean energy equation; however, the inefficient and ineffective state of battery production, use, reuse, repurpose and recycling limits how clean of an energy source battery can be. Achieving true battery circularity opens up the potential of this clean energy source.

Hence, this panel will discuss how the potential of batteries as a clean energy source could be threatened by the realities of its circularity today, and what could be the role of standards in unlocking the potential.

Moderated by

• Caitlin D’Onofrio, Senior Program Manager, UL Standards & Engagement

With

• Luz Maria de la Mora, Director, International Trade and Commodities, UNCTAD
• Howard Porter, Board Member, IEC Marketing Strategy, IEC
• Shuguang Qi, Council of Engineers for the Energy Transition, UN-SDSN
• Tirthankar Mandal, Associate Director, WRI India

A conversation between Faig Mutallimov (MENR, AZSTAND/TC 09) and Benoit Desforges.

Mr Deforges is Vice-President, Energy Directorate, Measurement Canada, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and the chair of the ISO/TC 207/SC 07 subcommittee on Greenhouse gas and climate change management and related activities which develops GHG, Carbon footprint standards and Net Zero guidelines.

Get ready to unlock the power of standards in driving national climate resilience. This powerful session will reveal how standardized approaches can transform adaptation planning, giving governments the tools they need to protect communities and deliver meaningful climate action. Hear from top experts as they share inspiring best practices, strategies and recommendations to promote the global use of standards in this space. Discover how these frameworks can underpin National Adaptation Plans, helping countries not just adapt, but thrive in the face of climate challenges.

Don’t miss out! Together, let’s explore how international standards shape a stronger, more resilient and sustainable future for all.

Moderated by

• Ma Rui, Director, Division of Multilateral Cooperation, Department of International Cooperation at the State Administration for Market Regulation, People’s Republic of China (SAMR)
• Lina Ismail, Development Manager in Standardization, AFNOR

With

• Marie-Hélène Schwoob, Deputy Director of Research, Commissariat Général au Développement Durable, French Ministry in charge of ecological transition, France
• Xia Yingxian, Director General, Department of Climate Change of Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE), China
• Benoit Desforges, Chair, ISO/TC207/SC7 Greenhouse gas and climate change management and related activities
• Tafara Smith, Director of Standards; Division/Head of Unit Regional and International Trade Branch, Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ).
• Madeleine Diouf Sarr, Head, Climate Change Division, Senegal's Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MEDD)
• Ottmar Edenhofer, Director & Chief Economist, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)
• Simon Wilson, Head of Corporate Communications, Green Climate Fund

Ready to future-proof your community or organization against the growing impacts of climate change? This session will equip government leaders, environmental managers and policymakers with the tools and strategies they need to drive bold climate adaptation and build lasting resilience. Discover how international standards provide a roadmap for effective adaptation planning and climate vulnerability assessment. You will gain hands-on knowledge and insights to strengthen your organization or community – whether you’re leading local adaptation efforts, advancing your sustainability skills, or shaping robust climate policies.

Don’t miss this chance to learn how standards can turn today’s climate challenges into powerful opportunities for growth and community-driven action.

Moderated by

• Brady Allin, Director, Strategy and Integration, Standards Council of Canada, Canada

With

• Benoit Desforges, Vice-President of the Energy Directorate, Measurement Canada, and Sub-committee Chair, TC 207/SC7, Canada
• Veronica Scotti, Chairperson Public Sector Solutions, Swiss Re
• Tafara Smith, Acting Director Standards Division, Bureau of Standards, Jamaica

Digital technologies are key to fast-tracking climate action across the globe. This session dives into the critical intersection of tech and climate, highlighting how the widening digital divide not only hampers equitable climate solutions but also increases the environmental footprint of inefficient digital systems. Discover how international standards can be a game changer –offering common frameworks to access sustainable technology, build capacity, and promote accountability in climate efforts.

Join the World Standards Cooperation partners (ISO, IEC and ITU) as they explore the challenges and opportunities of developing countries in their quest to contribute to climate standardization

This session will explore the role of technical committees and metrology in advancing ICT standards and sustainable development goals. Panelists will discuss national and international standards' contributions to digital innovation, sustainable manufacturing, and telecommunications, highlighting collaborations like the ASTM-ISO partnership.

Moderated by

• Firuza Bahri (AZSTAND)

With

• Teresa J. Cendrowska (ASTM)
• Bakhtiyar Mammadov (MDDT)
• Khamis Seyranov (AzMI)

This introductory session provides a high-level overview of international standards for beginners, designed to offer a foundational understanding of standards beyond any single organization. The Pavilion Advisory Group, represented by ISO, will provide participants with insights into the broader principles and applications of standards, including those from ISO, IEC and ULSE.

We will share our expertise, ensuring a well-rounded perspective on how standards function and their significance across various industries. This session is ideal for anyone new to the world of standards, offering a comprehensive yet accessible approach to this essential field.

Governments tackle climate & environment issues through due diligence regulations that may impact livelihoods in developing countries. The session discusses balancing sustainability in global supply chains, focusing on smallholder farmers & forest producers, and explores potential measures and tools.

The session will cover topics on integrated policy frameworks, community-led initiatives, voluntary sustainability initiatives, responsible business conduct, due diligence, technological innovations, and case studies, and will feature speakers from different sectors and regions, including policy makers, voluntary initiatives, industry experts, and smallholder producers from countries subject to due diligence regulations. 

Participants joining the session will be invited to work together to find solutions that balance environmental integrity with social equity.

Moderated by

• Tiina Huvio, Board Member, Agricord

With

• Sharon Cherono, Assistant Project Officer, Kenya National Farmers’ Federation (KENAFF)
• Sebastien Dessus, Manager, Trade, World Bank
• Kati Partanen, Board Member, World Farmers’ Organization
• Francoise van de Ven, President, ATIBT

Energy transition, circularity, and changing sustainability expectations of communities and countries are starting to really drive change. Standards are critical to this transition, but are we on the right track? 

• Is there a role for machine learning and artificial intelligence in solving this problem?
• Where do you think we’ll be in 5 years from now? Will this problem be solved? 
• Are there too many standards already? Would creating more standards make the problem better or worse?

With
• Adam Stingemore, Chief Development Officer, Standards Australia

As the global community accelerates towards an all-electric future, the integration of digital technologies becomes essential to ensure seamless, efficient, and sustainable energy systems and foster socio-economic opportunities for all. Innovative solutions in the energy sector help the grid become smarter, reduce energy wastage and address global challenges. The session hopes to discuss different perspectives (industry, standards and energy efficiency advocates) on how we can harness the power of emerging technologies and digitalization in providing more efficient products, systems and grids. The session explores:

• How virtualizing power systems can bring efficiency gains and revolutionize the energy sector?
• What is the role of smarter, more energy efficient appliances and buildings in fighting climate change and improving people’s lives?
• How can countries use standards to advance digital transformation in meeting energy and development objectives?
• Why is international cooperation essential for the responsible adoption of emerging technologies like AI for the energy market?

Moderated by

• James Wood, IEC Director of Communications

With

• Philippe Metzger, Former CEO, BEAMA; Secretary General & CEO, IEC
• Howard Porter, Board Member, IEC Market Strategy, IEC

Hydrogen is key to achieving a net-zero future, but scaling it up requires overcoming major hurdles in interoperability and safety. This session explores the regulations, codes and standards that are essential for unlocking hydrogen’s full potential. Explore the COP29 Hydrogen Action Pact’s framework and learn how aligning existing standards can fast-track hydrogen deployment across industries. Together, we’ll craft an accelerated roadmap to break through bottlenecks, harness the power of harmonized standards, and ensure the safety, efficiency and trust needed for hydrogen to thrive. Whether you’re a manufacturer, provider or end user, this session will equip you with the tools to foster a cohesive global language around hydrogen deployment.

Moderated by

• Jorgo Chatzamarkakis; CEO, Hydrogen Europe

Remarks by

• Petra Schwager, Chief, Climate and Technology Partnership (CTP) Division, Directorate of SDG Innovation and Economic Transformation (IET), United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO)
• Stefan Wenzel, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, Germany

With

• Christoph Winterhalter; Chairman, DIN Board; former Vice President, Policy, ISO
• Ivana Jemelkova, Director, Hydrogen Council
• Thorsten Herdan CEO, HIF EMEA
• Holger Lösch, Deputy Director General, BDI e.V., Germany
• James Walker, Team Lead for Renewable Gases, IRENA
• Francisco P. de la Flor; UN ECE Chair, Group of Experts on Gas; Member, Bureau of the Committee on Sustainable Energy, Enagás; Director, Sectorial and Multilateral Representation