international standardization has always evolved with the needs of industry and society ,” says ISO President Dr Zhang Xiaogang . of large and small businesses , regulatory authorities and governments throughout the world is fundamental to the proper functioning of ISO .
Expanding the community
ISO has worked hard over the years to broaden its circle of stakeholders , bringing different audiences to standardization , such as consumers or developing countries . The 1950s saw a number of new ISO member bodies join the organization from the developing world . To respond to these members ’ needs , ISO set up in 1961 the ISO Committee for developing country matters ( ISO / DEVCO ), which helps them get the most out of standards development work . Today , three-quarters of ISO ’ s members are from developing countries .
Helping to improve the satisfaction and safety of consumers is another vital role of standards . Integrating their views in standards development is therefore essential because these real-life perspectives help ensure that issues such as safety and quality are adequately addressed . The importance of consumer leverage was endorsed by the creation , in 1978 , of a Council Committee on Consumer Policy , now officially known as the ISO Committee on consumer policy ( ISO / COPOLCO ), to promote and encourage consumer interests in standards .
Effective and wide-reaching stakeholder engagement is essential in maintaining the relevance of International Standards . To ensure a strong relationship between standards and innovation , ISO has built collaborative ties with a network of global and regional organizations , including a partnership with the International Electrotechnical Commission ( IEC ) and the International Telecommunication Union ( ITU ), and has forged links with over 700 international organizations working in fields related to standardization . Furthermore , the contribution
Challenges for the future
“ For the past 70 years , ISO has developed standards that drive industrial progress , promote global commerce and improve health , safety and the environment . But this is just the beginning ”, says Dr Zhang .
“ Looking to the future , it is clear that our world faces many challenges that cut across national borders . Climate change , water scarcity , cyber security and large-scale migration are just some of the issues we face today that require integrated , international action .”
Many of these challenges have been included in the 17 Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs ) adopted by the United Nations as part of their 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development . Launched in 2015 , the SDGs set ambitious targets for the next 15 years and will help concentrate international action to end poverty , protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all .
“ The ISO community has many standards that can help organizations and companies address this agenda ,” says the ISO President . “ We are ready to provide efficient tools to help the different communities worldwide face up to these challenges and shape a better world .” The future of standardization is promising .
* December 2016 www . iso . org
YOUR safety in OUR hands
For nearly 15 years Craig McNaughton & Rob Tune have worked in hazardous conditions and continue to do so . Many of their colleagues can say the same . They ’ ll train you to work safely in confined spaces and know the risks – just like they do .
“ The support for No Time to Lose is continually growing in Europe . We have organisations such as EU-OSHA backing our campaign , as well as health and safety bodies from Ireland and Portugal in the west , through to Bulgaria and Cyprus in the east .”
To find out more about IOSH ’ s No Time to Lose campaign and to download free resources , visit www . notimetolose . org . uk .
Craig McNaughton & Rob Tune Confined Space Trainers , Yorkshire
Over 100 years of expertise in keeping people safe at work
The new name for ... Mines Rescue Service
For more information on the European Guide on Quality Improvement in Comprehensive Cancer Control , go to www . cancercontrol . eu . www . mrsl . co . uk
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