Every year, on the 14th of October, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) members come together to commemorate World Standards Day.
This day serves as a tribute to the collaborative efforts of experts worldwide who contribute to the creation of International Standards, which are voluntary technical agreements.
World Standards Day revolves around a shared vision for a better world. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a lofty undertaking, aiming to address social disparities, foster a sustainable economy & mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Achieving these goals necessitates the cooperation of both public and private partners, as well as leveraging various tools, including international standards and conformity assessment.
The standards system is fundamentally built on collaboration, emphasizing the power of cooperation and the idea that collective efforts are more potent than individual endeavors.
SDG 3 aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages. International standards and conformity assessment play a pivotal role in reaching the targets of SDG 3.
Offering a global framework for the adoption of digital health technologies, research and development, manufacturing, and maintenance of healthcare devices and systems.
This ensures that effective, safe, and reliable medical devices, health services, and systems are accessible to a wide global population.
Moreover, international standards provide the foundation for effective policymaking and regulation, promoting collaboration for improved healthcare outcomes.
As digital health technology advances, IEC, ISO, and ITU standards play a critical role in ensuring the security of systems and the protection of patient privacy.
Standards are a concept deeply ingrained in our society, but their profound importance may not always be fully realized.
Prior to the establishment of international standards and industrialization, obtaining replacement parts for machinery or equipment was a challenging and often uncertain task.
Automation and standardized frequencies revolutionized industries, making it possible to find compatible components easily.
In the modern era, standards permeate our daily lives. Whether it’s a replacement screw or the interoperability of electronic equipment, standards set by organizations like ISO have streamlined processes and ensured compatibility.
World Standards Day, observed annually on October 14th, pays tribute to the ISO’s transformative impact on the world.
In 2023, the theme is “Shared Vision for a Better World: Incorporating SDG 3,” focusing on Sustainable Development Goal 3, which prioritizes the well-being and health of all.
Codex Alimentarius, as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO) international food standards-setting body, aligns with the vision of World Standards Day.
Implementing international food standards plays a vital role in preventing, detecting, and managing foodborne diseases, thus contributing to the achievement of SDG 3.
Codex standards ensure that food is consumed safely and meets the highest quality standards. They form the cornerstone of trust and protection in the global food supply chain.
Steve Wearne, Chairperson of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, emphasized that these standards are the foundation of trust and safety in the food industry.
Markus Lipp, FAO Senior Food Safety Officer, stressed the role of Codex standards in advancing international food safety standards based on science promoting fair practices in international trade, and aligning with FAO’s strategic plan for better production, nutrition, environment, and quality of life.
