How ISO helps developing countries
ISO helps developing countries through technical assistance and training activities derived from the ISO Action Plan for developing countries which respond to a wide variety of needs and requests received from ISO members in developing countries and their stakeholders. These deliverables take the form of seminars, workshops, training courses, e-learning, sponsorships, ICT (Information and communication technologies) support and training of trainers programmes in all aspects of standardization and related activities of which some examples are listed below:
Role of Standards in economic development
To raise awareness of the role of the national standards and conformity assessment infrastructure in economic development and in promoting world trade. In particular, this activity is aimed at mobilizing resources for standards development.
ICT Support
Assessment of the use of Information and communication technologies (ICT) by ISO members in developing countries and at sub-regional and regional levels; provision of consultancy, hardware, software and training material to develop ICT infrastructures.
Developing country involvement in international standardization
Provision of guidance and support to developing countries on the benefits of participating in ISO technical work; training of officers from developing countries to prepare for ISO technical committee secretariat functions.
Training services in standards development
Training services to ISO members focused on the transfer of knowledge and refinement of skills needed to deal with the requirements associated with International Standards development, production and dissemination; training courses and e-learning conducted by experts from the ISO Central Secretariat.
Conformity assessment and good regulatory practices
Training and information on guidelines to enhance national conformity assessment infrastructures and facilitate the mutual recognition of conformity assessment results between nations. Training and awareness of good regulatory practices and the use of standards focusing on improving technical regulations in order to deliver the necessary public policy results.
Management systems
In-depth training and information on the benefits and conditions for the implementation of ISO management systems for quality and the environment and in a range of sectors including food, health, tourism and automotive.
Social responsibility and consumer protection
Training in, and awareness of, ISO’s initiatives in the area of social responsibility and the role of consumers in the standards-making process.
For more information, contact the ISO member in your country, or the DEVCO Secretariat