The ISO Action Plan for developing countries 2005-2010

ISO's actions to assist developing countries focus on identification of standardization needs, preparation of development manuals, training, documentation and information systems, and promotion. These varied activities are the responsibility of the Development and Training Programmes (DEVT) unit at the ISO Central Secretariat.

Identifying and addressing standardization needs in developing countries is fundamental to ISO's helping these countries to benefit in a durable way from the globalization of industry and trade.

This may involve anything from specific standards to conformity assessment arrangements, information technology support and documentation, technical or management expertise, training seminars and fellowships. ISO also provides its developing country members with regular information about courses on standardization that are available worldwide.

The Action Plan is designed in such a way that sponsoring governments or agencies can implement their own priorities in the type of assistance offered and the choice of recipient countries. Elements of the Action Plan may alternatively be financed through ISO trust funds or from the DIN/ISO Endowment, which comprise contributions by ISO members to be devoted solely to technical assistance in developing countries.

The ISO Action Plan for developing countries 2005-2010 sets the following five objectives:

1. Improve awareness of key stakeholders in developing countries of the role of standardization in economic growth, world trade and sustainable development
   The awareness of public authorities, industry and other economic players in developing countries of the importance of International Standards is key to their economic development. This is particularly important for the dissemination of technology, the improvement of the quality of products and services, and the promotion of good business and management practices. Targeted awareness-raising campaigns aim at strengthening national standardization infrastructures and related activities, such as metrology, testing, certification and accreditation.
   
   
2. Build capacity of ISO members and stakeholders involved in developing the standardization infrastructure and participating in international standardization work
   Ensuring the implementation and use of International Standards, participating actively in standardization activities of direct importance to the national economy and accessing the relevant information, requires an effective infrastructure, appropriate tools and qualified staff in the national and regional bodies in charge of standardization. The ISO Action Plan for developing countries aims to encourage and assist developing countries in identifying their priorities and developing the adequate capacity for their active involvement in international standardization.
   
   
3. Increase national and regional cooperation to share experience, resources, training, information and communications technologies
   The regional and sub-regional levels of cooperation on standardization and related matters are those most suitable for sharing experience, organizing training, optimizing participation in International Standardization and ensuring consistent implementation of International Standards. The ISO Action Plan for developing countries seeks to foster relationships between standards bodies in developing countries and regional and sub-regional organizations and to coordinate the development of capacity with a view to building synergies and developing partnerships.
   
   
4. Develop electronic communication and expertise in IT tools to participate in international standardization work, reach out to stakeholders and make efficient use of ISO e-services
   Reaching out to stakeholders, as well as accessing and participating in international standardization, requires the ability to use and implement electronic communication and IT tools. The ISO Action Plan for developing countries aims to assist ISO members in developing countries to strengthen their information and communication technology infrastructures and to encourage the use of the comprehensive range of e-services and IT tools developed by ISO and made available to its members.
   
   
5. Increase participation in governance and technical work of ISO to voice priorities, contribute and influence the technical content of ISO deliverables
   The fifth objective of the ISO Action Plan for developing countries is to support the involvement of developing countries in the governance structures of ISO, at policy-making level and in the technical work performed by ISO’s technical committees, subcommittees and working groups. By participating at these three levels, developing countries ensure that their interests are taken into account and, in doing this, they contribute to strengthening ISO’s global relevance.