Theme of this year's open session was ”Innovation and economics of sustainable development”. Participants were given the opportunity to share their experiences on current issues regarding the innovation and the economics of sustainable development - what has been done so far, what needs to be done better and how standards can help. Development of ISO standards provides a connection between the creative potential (great ideas) and problem resolving (practical application). Global challenges need global solutions, and ISO, through its national members and organizations in liaison, has a unique framework for a gathering of international experts who can develop these kind of solutions, and also the framework for its dissemination. ISO standards ensure that innovative solutions can be also transferred to developing countries, so that the benefits are available on a global level as well.

Within the General Assembly the 46th Meeting of the ISO Committee on developing country matters - DEVCO was held. During the seminar, a detailed report on activities conducted under the ISO Action Plan for developing countries 2011-2015  was presented. On the last day of the Assembly the members of the ISO Council were elected and regular annual voting was conducted.