SIS plays an active role in enhancing the capacity of interested parties in the developing world to participate in and influence international standardization. In this work, we contribute everything from professional expertise to establishing a structure and framework for the process. The services we provide within the framework of international development cooperation enbale developing countries to influence the actual content of an international standard.
SIS’ activities in international development cooperation are based on a successful concept. The concept enables experts and interested parties in both the private and public sector in developing countries to participate in the standardization process at the local, regional and international level.
One of our broad objectives is to create standards of global relevance. Another is to create an incentive for interested parties in developing countries to continue to participate and invest in the future international standardization process, as well as to utilize the standards that are developed. This work focuses on three key areas: human rights, sustainability and crisis management.
Four reasons SIS is engaged in training in developing countries
- Increased trade with developing countries promotes better conditions in these same countries. International standardization is a vital component in the promotion of trade. It is therefore important that the developing countries and their business communities are actively engaged in influencing the standards that are to their benefit.
- ISO global relevance. A key objective of the ISO (of which SIS is a member) is to enable the use of a global standard by as many as possible the world over, making it a priority that developing countries be included in the international standardization process. Read more about the ISO Action Plan here
- In the long term, increased cooperation with developing countries will benefit SIS members through increased trade.
- Increased cooperation with the participating developing countries will enable SIS to generate new contacts and networks to the benefit of its members.
How it works
Regional workshops and seminars are held prior to ISO meetings as part of each training project. Supported by the national standardization organizations, we strive for as broad participation as possible, with special emphasis on the private sector.
See "SIS concept for establishing standards"
Current projects
Projects in 2011 are being conducted in Africa, the Middle East and in South and Southeast Asia. These projects are being conducted with financial support from Sida, while the project in South and Southeast Asia also involves cooperation with SAWTEE (South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics and Environment).
Projects are currently in progress in the following standardization areas:
- Carbon footprint of products
- Sustainability criteria for bioenergy