World Standards Day (WSD), also known as International Standards Day, is annually observed across the globe on 14th October to highlight the importance of standards-related efforts and honour the collaborative contributions of individuals and organizations committed to developing voluntary standards.
- The day is observed by the members of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
Theme:
The theme of WSD 2024 is “Shared Vision for a Better World: Standards for the Changing Climate”.
- The 2024 theme highlights the importance of collaboration to achieve shared goals with a particular focus on tackling climate change.
- The theme will be fixed together by ISO, IEC and ITU based on a seminal issue relevant to standardization.
Note: A shared vision for a better world – is a multi-year campaign started in 2021 with an aim to raise awareness about the contribution of International standards to the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs).
Background:
i.On 14th October 1946, delegates from 25 countries met in London, the United Kingdom(UK) to create a new international organization to promote standardisation.
ii.Following this, the “International Organization for Standardization (ISO)” was formed in 1947.
iii.The first ever World Standards Day was officially launched on October 14, 1970, by then president of ISO, Faruk Sunter.
Significance:
i.Standardisation involves the development and agreement on common technical specifications or criteria for products, services, and processes.
ii.The Standards are considered as a tool to achieve 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
iii.The day creates an opportunity to recognize the contributions of the many experts who volunteer their time to develop and maintain international standards.
iv.These standards are used by businesses, governments, and consumers around the world to ensure that products and services are safe, reliable, and compatible.
Observance in India:
i.The annual observance of World Standards Day in India is led by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the National Standards Body of India, under Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
ii.BIS, Jammu & Kashmir Branch Office (JKBO) inaugurated its World Standards Day 2024 celebrations with an event featuring the Manak Mahotsav and a Stakeholders Conclave at the BIS JKBO office.
About the International Organization for Standardization (ISO):
President – Sung Hwan Cho
Headquarters – Geneva, Switzerland
Established in – 1947
