|
World Standards Day Fact Sheet
What is World Standards Day?
World Standards Day began as a celebration of the birth of the International
Organization for Standardization (ISO), which held its first meeting in London
on October 14, 1946. From an initial roster of 25 countries, ISO (based in
Geneva, Switzerland) now has 123 member nations and has evolved into the global
clearinghouse for all standards activities. ISO's U.S. representative, the
American National Standards Institute (ANSI), is one of the founding
organizations of World Standards Day. Today, World Standards Day is sponsored
annually by ISO; the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), which
develops international standards for the electrical and electronics industries;
and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), an international
organization responsible for the coordination, development, regulation, and
standardization of telecommunications standards.
The goal of World Standards Day is to raise awareness of the importance of
global standardization to the world economy and to promote its role in helping
meet the needs of business, industry, government, and consumers worldwide. The
international event pays tribute to the thousands of volunteers around the
world who participate in standardization activities. Since its initial
celebration in 1970, member countries commemorate World Standards Day by
organizing special gatherings and events, ranging from conferences,
exhibitions, and seminars to film shows, TV and radio interviews, and full
"standards weeks" around mid October.
How Does the U.S. Mark This Day?
Each October in Washington, DC, members of the U.S. standardization community
gather with other leaders in business, industry and government for a U.S. World
Standards Day exhibit, reception and dinner gala. During the dinner ceremony
the Ronald Brown Standards Leadership Award is presented to an individual who
has demonstrated leadership in promoting the important role of standardization
in eliminating global barriers to trade. Awards are also presented to the
winners of the
World Standards Day Paper Competition, which is designed to raise
awareness of the importance of standards, as well as present various
perspectives on national and international standards and conformity assessment
issues.
Who Sponsors World Standards Day in the U.S.?
In the U.S., World Standards Day is a joint effort between the private and
public sector. This year's World Standards Day events were coordinated and
funded by the World Standards Day Committee, consisting of representatives from
more than 25 major companies, professional and technical societies, trade
associations, standards developing organizations and government agencies. The
co-chairs of the World Standards Day Committee are the American National
Standards Institute (ANSI) and the National Institute of Standards and
Technology (NIST).
Why is U.S. Recognition of World Standards Day Important?
World Standards Day presents the American business community with an
opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to the important role standards play
in increasing U.S. competitiveness. In today's changing economy, industry,
government, standards developing organizations, and other groups need to work
together to ensure that U.S. products and services are accepted in the global
marketplace, thereby enhancing U.S. leadership abroad. World Standards Day
provides the U.S. with the forum to build on such relationships.
What is the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)?
ANSI is a private nonprofit membership organization that coordinates the U.S.
voluntary standards system, bringing together interests from the private and
public sectors to develop voluntary standards for a wide array of U.S.
industries. The Institute's membership includes approximately 1,100 national
and international companies, government agencies, and professional, technical,
trade, labor, and consumer organizations. ANSI is the official U.S. member body
to the world's leading standards bodies – the ISO and the IEC via the U.S.
National Committee.
What is the National institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)?
NIST is a non-regulatory agency in the U.S. Department of Commerce's Technology
Administration. Formerly known as the National Bureau of Standards, NIST
promotes economic growth by working with industry to develop and apply
technology, measurement, and standards.
Program and registration: Registration Coordinator; 212.642.4956
Sponsorship information: Sponsorship Coordinator; 212.642.4890
|