89th IEC General Meeting Held in New Delhi: Focus on Sustainability and Innovation
From 15 to 19 September 2025, New Delhi (India) became the epicenter of the global electrotechnical community, hosting the 89th General Meeting of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Under the theme “Fostering a Sustainable World", more than 2,000 experts from over 100 countries gathered to shape international standards that will lead toward a sustainable, fully electric, and connected future.
The General Meeting included more than 150 sessions of Technical and Management Committees, focusing on standardization in key future areas. The main highlights were:
- Sustainability and Clean Energy: Through a series of workshops and plenary sessions, experts discussed the development of standards supporting the global transition based on clean energy. A landmark decision was to assign India the role of Global Secretariat for standardization of Low-Voltage Direct Current (LVDC), a critical area for clean, pollution-free energy solutions.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): The workshop “Artificial Intelligence: Shaping the Future with Innovation” addressed the role of standards in the safe and ethical development of AI technologies in electrotechnics
- E-Mobility: Standards for electric mobility, including charging infrastructure and battery safety, took center stage in light of the rapid growth of electric vehicles worldwide.
- Inclusiveness: Discussions also covered building an inclusive, fully electric society through standards, ensuring that new technologies are accessible and safe for all.
As part of the General Meeting, the major IEC GM Exhibition was held, where 75 exhibitors presented the latest innovations in electric mobility, smart lighting, electronics, and IT manufacturing, highlighting how international standards foster product development.
Electrotechnical standards, developed by organizations such as IEC, form the foundation of the modern, connected world and are crucial for the prosperity of every society. They are not just a set of technical rules but a vital mechanism that ensures safety, interoperability, and efficiency. When buying an electronic device weather a phone charger or a washing machine, these standards guarantee that the device is safe to use, works with other components, and is durable. They also open global markets, enabling companies from Bosnia and Herzegovina to export their products knowing they meet international criteria. In the era of global energy transition, these standards are becoming even more important, serving as a bridge between innovative technologies and practical applications, accelerating the implementation of clean energy and smart grids essential for a sustainable future.
On behalf of the Institute for Standardization of Bosnia and Herzegovina (ISBIH), the meeting was attended by Dragan Brković, Deputy Director of the Institute, and Zvjezdan Šehovac, Head of the Electrotechnical Standardization Department.