Creating a world that is better, fairer & sustainable with Standards

Taking place every year on October 14, World Standards Day shines a light on the importance of Standards in helping create a world we can enjoy today and protect for future generations.

What is World Standards Day?

World Standards Day offers an opportunity to celebrate those who have contributed to developing the millions of Standards that we use and encounter every day. Standards across all industries ensure safety, sustainability and efficiency, enabling people and organizations to accomplish amazing things. 

World Standards Day is organized by the world's leading developers of International Standards - IEC, ISO and ITU who collaborate on a number of initiatives to get everyone involved in spreading awareness of Standards and celebrating them on a global scale - as we should! 

This year, there's a continued focus on a shared vision for a better world and the need to increase the understanding of how Standards contribute to achieving a better, fairer and sustainable world. 

The important role of International Standards

International Standards provide guidance in a universal language. They make critical information and knowledge accessible to all, allowing for technical, economic, and societal benefits. 

Standards provide guidelines, processes, and strategies to maintain efficient, inclusive, and sustainable practices that meet quality and safety measures while maximizing productivity. Not only do Standards help businesses stay compliant, but they also enable a business to stay up to date with the latest innovations. 

World Standards Day was created as a collaborative effort between ISO, IEC and ITU to help spread the awareness of International Standards in meeting critical global challenges.

Sustainable Development Goals, the roadmap for a better world 

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development provides a blueprint for a fair, sustainable and prosperous place, now and into the future. To create this shared vision for a better world, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted by all UN Member States in 2015, to move forward with action by all countries in a global partnership. 

Achieving the SDGs would require a collaborative and continued effort across the world to tackle issues including improving health and education, reducing inequalities, improving economic growth and addressing climate change to maintain our planet. 

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals include: 

• Goal 1: End poverty in all its forms 

• Goal 2: Zero Hunger 

• Goal 3: Health 

• Goal 4: Education 

• Goal 5: Gender equality and women's empowerment 

• Goal 6: Water and Sanitation 

• Goal 7: Energy 

• Goal 8: Economic Growth 

• Goal 9: Infrastructure, industrialization 

• Goal 10: Inequality 

• Goal 11: Cities 

• Goal 12: Sustainable consumption and production 

• Goal 13: Climate Action 

• Goal 14: Oceans 

• Goal 15: Biodiversity, forests, desertification 

• Goal 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions 

• Goal 17: Partnerships

Tackling Sustainable Development Goals with Standards

Achieving the 17 SDGs requires a strong collaborative effort across the board. International Standards can empower people and organizations to face sustainability challenges. 

Each SDG is a call for action where related Standards can assist industries, organizations, and governments to overcome challenges, optimize processes, drive innovation, and connect each other to knowledge and education to face each action. 

International Standards have proven to be an essential ingredient in building back better. The work IEC completes provides the technical foundation for the entire energy chain. As energy, especially electricity, underpins many of the SDGs - their Standards are critical to help drive change and innovative solutions. 

ISO has also published more than 22,000 International Standards and related documents that represent globally recognized guidelines and frameworks based on international collaboration to help achieve the SDGs. 

ITU also collaborates closely with other organizations to deal with issues relating to climate change, energy efficiency, e-waste, rapid urbanization and the promotion of sustainable development. 

Together, IEC, ISO and ITU's membership represents experts and national Standards bodies from all over the world, giving experts a platform to present solutions on an international level.

What can you do to get involved? 

There are a few ways you can get involved in World Standards Day. Follow SAI Global Standards & Legislation on LinkedIn to watch their World Standards Day video series, as they interview experts from all industries to understand the role of Standards in achieving the SDGs. You can also watch their video series on the SAI Global Infostore.

Mark October 14 in your calendars!