Standards are a catalyst to achieving the SDGs
This side event sought to demonstrate the pervasive role of standards in achieving cooperation and improving representativity of all stakeholders, especially women. A systemic use of internationally agreed standards ensures that governments and stakeholders alike embrace a common approach and a common solution. Dissemination and education on standardization are key to ensure the widespread adoption and use of relevant standards as well as awareness of the importance of standards.
About the event
This side event sought to demonstrate the pervasive role of standards in achieving cooperation and improving representativity of all stakeholders, especially women. Standards touch nearly every aspect of daily life from product compliance to harmonization of regulatory procedures – just reading this text on a computer implies the use of hundreds of standards. A systemic use of internationally agreed standards ensures that governments and stakeholders alike embrace a common approach and a common solution. Dissemination and education on standardization are key to ensure the widespread adoption and use of relevant standards as well as awareness of the importance of standards.
This side event demonstrated three key areas of the work of UNECE Working Party 6 on Regulatory Cooperation and Standardization Policies:
• International cooperation to enhance knowledge sharing and improved coordination between countries (in support of SDG 17)
• Enhance the representation of women in standards development and the standards developed (in support of SDG 5)
• Raise awareness on the importance of standards through educational institutions to increase visibility and adoption of internationally agreed standards (in support of SDG 4)
UNECE WP.6, Germany and ISO
