Russian Federation was represented by the Russian Standardization Institute (FSBI «RST») on the 55th session of the ISO Committee on developing country matters (DEVCO) on the 16th-17th of September 2021. This meeting was held in an online format in the framework of the 43rd ISO General Assembly (ISO GA). Main events of the ISO GA will start next week.
More than 250 representatives of countries - ISO Members became participants of the session. Director of the Department of International Cooperation of FSBI «RST» Julia Tufanova and Head of the Department of Cooperation with ISO of FSBI «RST» Anastasia Deryabina were among these participants.
Opportunities and problems of ISO Members in the developing countries have been discussed. The session was held in English language.
Main topics of the 55th DEVCO session were the following:
Digitalization. Growth of digital infrastructures and integration of digital technologies with another more traditional technologies is modifying the way people live and work around the world in a rapid and significant manner. Digitalization is changing the way companies do their business in all sectors and regions. Achievements in the field of digital technologies can assist organizations to improve their efficiency and performance, create competitive advantage and promote innovations. Some countries will thrive in the new global digital economy, but countries which are not ready risk to be left behind. Developing countries place high hopes on digital technologies that will lead their economies to prosperity.
Involvement of new generation. Involvement of young specialists in the ISO works can bring creativity and innovation to the development of standards. Engagement of a new generation will ensure sustainability of the system whilst increasing the diversity in the ISO technical community and will also contribute to the ISO strategic priority of No. 6 - all voices are heard. Importance of participation of young people in standardization were discussed and the best practices of ISO Members on engagement of students and integration of standards and knowledge into the university curriculum were examined.
Role of standards in the support of effective normative requirements. International standards are effective and economical tools for achieving the state policy goals including those set by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. Their use contributes to the flexibility of the development of the policy, increases transparency, predictability and accountability of the process of regulation and stimulates sustainable economic growth. The best practices of ISO Members were also covered. These best practices of ISO Members support their national processes of regulation, increase awareness of the policy makers in terms of value of standards and importance of the process of standards development. Matter concerning the possibility of use of a new practical guidance «ISO Toolkit» which will help national bodies on standardization to improve their cooperation with the politicians in support of good regulatory practice was also covered.
DEVCO session provided a unique opportunity for ISO Members and representatives of other international organizations and regional bodies on standardization to make an exchange of experience and best practices in the support of ISO Strategy 2030 and Action Plan for developing countries for 2021-2025.