World Standards Day (WSD) also known as International Standards Day is annually observed across the globe on October 14 to educate consumers, policymakers, and businesses about the value of standardisation.
- 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 World Standards Day 2023 is “Shared Vision for a Better World – Standards for Sustainable Development Goals(SDG)”.
- The 2023 WSD highlights “SDG 3 – Good Health and Well Being” and the role of standards in supporting the achievement of SDG 3 on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.
Note:
- The theme will be fixed togetherly by ISO, IEC and ITU based on a seminal issue relevant to standardization.
- 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 on United Nations SDG.
Background:
i.On October 14, 1946, delegates from 25 countries met in London(United Kingdom) to create a new international organization to coordinate and unify standards work.
- This led to the formation of the “International Organization for Standardization (ISO)” in 1947.
ii.The first ever Wrold Standards Day was formally inaugurated on 14th October 1970 by Faruk Sunter, then president of International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
Significance:
i.Standardization is the process of developing and agreeing upon 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:
The annual observance of World Standards Day in India is led by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
- In 2023, BIS hosted a Standards Conclave called Manak Mahotsav to celebrate World Standards Day 2023.
About BIS:
i.BIS is the National Standards Body of India, under Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
ii.Activities of BIS: Standard Formulation, Certification, Laboratory Testing, Hallmarking and Systems Certification.
Additional Info:
The three organizations ISO, IEC and ITU collaborate on a number of initiatives, under the banner of the World Standards Cooperation(WSC).
About International Organization for Standardization (ISO):
President – Ulrika Francke
Headquarters – Geneva, Switzerland
Established in – 1947
About International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
Secretary-General – Doreen Bogdan-Martin
Headquarters – Geneva, Switzerland
Established in – 1865
