In March 2018, a regular meeting of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) was held on topical issues of standardization in various industries. The event was attended by representatives of national standardization bodies, leading industry experts, as well as scientific and technical specialists.
The main topics of discussion were
Updating of international standards
Current changes in key standards including ISO 9001 (quality management systems), ISO 14001 (environmental management) and ISO 27001 (information security) were discussed. The focus was on adapting standards to meet today’s challenges and business requirements.
Digital transformation and standards
The role of ISO in developing new standards for digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT) and cybersecurity, was discussed. Experts stressed the need for accelerated standardization in these areas to support innovation and international trade.
Environmental sustainability and environmental standards
One of the central topics was the implementation of standards aimed at achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Special attention was paid to energy efficiency, waste management and reducing the carbon footprint of businesses.
International cooperation
During the meeting, agreements on cooperation between ISO and regional standardization organizations were signed. This will improve harmonization of standards and reduce trade barriers between countries.
Outcomes and next steps
Several decisions were made at the end of the meeting:
- Continue to work on updating key standards to reflect market requirements.
- Develop recommendations for accelerated standardization of digital technologies.
- Strengthen cooperation with international organizations to develop universal environmental standards.
- Prepare a roadmap for implementing new standards in industry.
The next ISO meeting is scheduled for the fall of 2018, where the implementation of the decisions taken will be summarized and new initiatives will be considered.