The ISO Action Plan for developing countries 2011-2015
ISO's actions to assist developing countries focus on identification of standardization needs, preparation of handbooks/manuals, training and awareness documentation and information systems, and promotion. These varied activities are the responsibility of the Development and Training Services (DEVT) unit at the ISO Central Secretariat (ISO/CS).
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 and awareness seminars, sponsorships and fellowships. ISO also provides its developing country members with regular information on its website about courses on standardization that are run from ISO/CS.
The Action Plan exhorts developing country members to take full ownership in the implementation of the activities identified under each output. In particular, ISO members should make every effort to promote standardization in their countries in order to secure funds from stakeholders and relevant organizations to implement the activities of the Plan. ISO, with support from donors and other ISO members contributing to the Funds-in-Trust, will continue to implement activities under all 6 outputs of the Plan.
The ISO Action Plan for developing countries 2011-2015 sets the following goal, purpose and outputs:
Goal
To contribute to improving developing countries’ economic growth and access to world markets, enhancement of the lives of citizens, fostering innovation and technical progress and achieving sustainable development when considered from each of the economic, environmental and societal perspectives.
Purpose
To strengthen the national standardization infrastructure in developing countries in order to increase their involvement in the development, adoption and implementation of international standards in sectors and subjects of interest to them.
Outputs
- Increased participation in ISO technical work
The involvement of developing countries in the technical work performed by ISO technical committees (TCs), subcommittees (SCs) and working groups (WGs) is essential in order to ensure that their interests are taken into account, and this contributes to strengthen the global relevance of ISO and of its deliverables.
- Capacity built in standardization and related matters for ISO members and their stakeholders
Capacity-building activities for the staff of national standards bodies (NSBs), their key stakeholders and national experts aim at providing guidance on good practices in standardization that the NSB applies in the national standardization infrastructure. Activities are also carried out to develop the skills and knowledge of experts to participate in international standardization work.
- Awareness improved on the role and benefits of International Standards and their use. International Standards are therefore increasingly used
Building awareness on the importance of using standards in all spheres of economic activity to achieve sustainable development goals is a key element of national quality policies. It is also useful in engaging stakeholders and the ultimate users of International Standards in national and international standardization work.
- ISO members in developing countries strengthened at institutional level
National standards bodies operate in various types of legal and institutional frameworks, as well as in different business environments not sufficiently aware of the benefits of standards, which sometimes makes it difficult for them to operate at optimum level. A strong, competent and credible NSB is key for ensuring adequate participation in international standardization work and for the implementation of standards.
- Regional cooperation strengthened
Regional cooperation to foster exchange of experience among ISO members and other partners at the regional and sub-regional levels, including in the field of harmonization of national and regional standards to International Standards, is an essential step to enable developing countries to address the challenges of globalization and integrate more effectively in the multilateral trading system. Issues such as regional economic, environmental and societal sustainability are identified and appropriate responses from ISO members in the region are formulated.
- Introduction of the subject of standardization as part of educational curricula initiated
It is widely recognized that knowledge of standardization and its benefits for business, government and society is increasingly considered an essential “toolbox” for future professionals and managers in both public and private sectors. While the need for integrating the subject of standardization in higher education is clear, there is also scope for educating the younger generations at the level of primary and secondary levels on specific topics.
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