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CSN NSB members have been updating their websites to assist with COVID-19 mitigation: NSB responses as of 01/04/2020 are outlined below, please let us know if you have additional information that might be useful to share via the CSN portal. Country COVID-19 Info Comments Antigua and Barbuda https://abbs.gov.ag/ Signposted to WHO website Canada https://www.scc.ca/en/news-events/news/2020/novel-coronavirus-update-covid-19 Bespoke SCC info Ghana https://www.gsa.gov.gh/2020/03/covid-19-lockdown-and-beyond/ https://www.gsa.gov.gh/2020/03/world-health-organization-7/ https://www.gsa.gov.gh/2020/03/world-health-organization-6/ https://www.gsa.gov.gh/2020/03/modes-of-transmission-of-virus-causing-covid-19/ Several pages of info with references taken from WHO (information positioned towards the bottom of home page) Malta https://mccaa.org.mt/section/content?contentId=5313 Bespoke MCCAA info specific to hand sanitisers New Zealand https://www.standards.govt.nz/news/media-releases/2020/mar/an-update-on-standards-new-zealand-work-practices/ https://www.standards.govt.nz/news/media-releases/2020/apr/free-availability-of-covid-19-related-iso-standards/ Bespoke NZSO content with references to relevant ISO standards St. Vincent and the Grenadines http://www.svgbs.gov.vc/ - http://health.gov.vc/health/index.php/c Signposted to government website South Africa https://www.sabs.co.za/ https://www.sabs.co.za/Client_Comms_COVID19/index.asp Bespoke business continuity info Sri Lanka http://www.slsi.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=171:postponed-all-slsi-training-programmes-due-to-the-corona-virus-outbreak-in-the-country&catid=8:latest-news&lang=en&Itemid=359 Bespoke SLSI info about postponement of training programmes owing to outbreak Trinidad and Tobago https://gottbs.com/blog/news/#.XoRcuKhKg2x Info from TTBS under News and Events Uganda https://www.unbs.go.ug/ https://www.unbs.go.ug/covid-19/ https://www.unbs.go.ug//news-highlights.php?io=news Bespoke COVID-19 video from UNBS and other info under News & Highlights and Twitter feed on home page UK https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/ https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/topics/novel-coronavirus-covid-19/bsi-knowledge---uk-national-standards-body/ Bespoke info under Latest and trending. Open access to relevant standards on 1. The production of ventilators,, 2. personal protective equipment and 3. risk management and business continuity.
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John Bosco SEBERA joined the community
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Please see BSI COVID-19 update: Following the outbreak of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), BSI, as the UK’s National Standards Body has assessed how we can best support Government, UK businesses and ultimately the UK population. At this time, it is important that business and Government is equipped with expert, consensus base best practice information to help them navigate the current and rapidly developing situation. After careful consideration of our portfolio, we have selected the most relevant standards to meet the immediate challenges faced by Government and UK business, and will be opening access to these standards during this time of emergency. The Initial focus will cover 3 main areas: the production of ventilators, personal protective equipment and risk management and business continuity. As the National Standards Body, BSI will continue to assess how we are best able to support and contribute towards the UK’s collective efforts to mitigate the impact of COVID -19 on both the health of the nation and UK business. https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/topics/novel-coronavirus-covid-19/bsi-knowledge---uk-national-standards-body/ Other NSBs are following similar procedures, please share additional COVID-19 updates/questions with ben.hedley@bsigroup.com
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During February and March 2020, the CSN conducted a survey to assess the programme’s outcomes to date, and to capture ideas about how the programme should develop for Phase 2 (April 2020-March 2021). Here are the result highlights: 93% of respondents felt that the CSN programme has led to beneficial outcomes, especially in helping raise awareness about the role of standards and regulations. Most participants indicated their interest to receive training in the following sectors: - 65% said they would like training focussed on ‘Agriculture and Fisheries’; - 55% said they would like training focussed ‘commonly traded goods among Members’. 100% of survey participants found the website to have useful information, expressing a strong interest to engage more with other national standards bodies and have wider collaboration with the academia, accredited bodies and subject matter experts. There were also several useful free-text responses to how the CSN has led to beneficial outcomes so far, as well as suggestions to help achieve more in the future. The full results will be published shortly, which will help inform how we deliver the next stages of the work programme to best suit the needs of the CSN membership. We would like to thank everyone for your participation and feedback in helping us shape the future of the programme. We will update you as the work programme develops while keeping a close eye on the current COVID-19 crisis. Please watch this space for more information. Wishing you all good health and wellbeing. -
Every year, 22nd March is observed as World Water Day. In light of the current global pandemic surrounding COVID-19, the timing couldn’t be more perfect to understand, promote and learn the importance and benefits of complying with proper hygiene measures - especially handwashing - to prevent the spread of this virus. Let's all make use of this opportunity as a community to take the right action in creating better awareness and preventing this issue together. Please find further information on proper handwashing techniques here: https://www.who.int/gpsc/clean_hands_protection/en/ -
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is evolving rapidly and it's unlikely any of us have experienced anything quite like this, the next few months will undoubtedly raise many new challenges and the CSN Secretariat wishes CSN members the best during these difficult times. We are looking into ways that the Network can support it's members over the forthcoming months. Delivery of online outputs such as eLearning and written resources will be a focus in the short-term and we will keep you updated as plans progress with the developing global situation. Please let me know if you have any comments or suggestions for how the CSN could offer support, or where you could offer support to others. Best Regards Ben Hedley (ben.hedley@bsigroup.com)
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Bilal joined the community
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Zdhakan joined the community
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Zeshan joined the community
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Aziz ur Rehman joined the community
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Salem Ullah joined the community
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Samia Javed joined the community
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Each year, a theme is chosen for Commonwealth Day, which helps to guide activities by Commonwealth organisations throughout the year. This year’s theme is centred around 'Delivering a Common Future', and highlights how the 54 member countries in the Commonwealth family are ‘innovating, connecting and transforming’ to achieve some of its biggest goals like protecting natural resources and boosting trade. The Commonwealth Standards Network supports these themes by promoting innovation and building connections for strong trade among all Commonwealth states through the participation, adoption and implementation of international standards. Happy Commonwealth Day! #CommonwealthDay #commonwealth #ConnectedCommonwealth -
Mukeshiyaremye Athanasie joined the community
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dorothyoppey joined the community
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We are conducting a survey to assess outcomes of the CSN and to capture ideas about how the programme should develop. We would be grateful if you could follow this link https://surveys.bsigroup.com/wix/7/p1880770217.aspx to complete the survey by Friday 6th March.
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Commonwealth Standards Network (CSN) in-country NSB training and stakeholder workshops took place in Kigali, Rwanda 17-19 February 2020; the events focussed on procurement and increasing international trade via the adoption of international standards to support national regulations. The sessions were delivered by Nele Zgav (BSI Lead Standards Development Manager), and Devin McDaniels (CSN consultant) in collaboration with experts from the Rwanda Standards Board (RSB). More than 50 representatives from the NSB, Government, Education, and procurement officers attended. Meeting presentations and reports will be made available on the CSN Portal once finalised. -
St. Lucia makes standards a way of life
Verne Emmanuel commented on Binu Merin Jacob's record in News
As part of the quality promotions in the development of our national quality policy we felt it important to demonstrate in a tangible manner how standards assist in making quality our way of life. -
Standards are powerful tools that facilitate trade, drive innovation and increase productivity. They play a vital role in defining the quality of policies and processes, improving trust across an increasingly global marketplace. This short video highlights how the SLBS adheres to a slew of standards to drive growth, and ensure the safety of the citizens and visitors of St. Lucia. For this small island developing state, standards are definitely a way of life that continues to make a positive impact on the country's consumer safety, enhance competitiveness as well as improve the trading of goods and services. St. Lucia highlights the Importance of standards (compressed).mp4
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CSN in-country NSB training and stakeholder workshops took place in Windhoek, Namibia from 22-24 January 2020. Focusing on how using international standards can support trade, Russell Reefer (BSI Senior International Policy Manager) delivered the sessions alongside Erik Wijkström (WTO TBT Secretary) and experts from the Namibia Standards Institution (NSI). More than 70 representatives from NSI, Namibian government and the private sector participated each day. The sessions also helped conclude phase one of an IEC Mentoring Agreement between BSI and NSI, the goal of which will be to help build NSI's capacity to make active contributions, technical participation and interaction within the IEC community. CSN_Namibia presentations_January 2020.zip
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Please feel free to share this video within your network; if you require the MP4 file, or the non-subtitled version, then please contact me: binu.jacob@bsigroup.com
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untilCSN Rwanda training sessions in Kigali. Stakeholder workshop 17th January, NSB (RSB) sessions 18-19th January.
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untilCSN Namibia sessions in Windhoek. Stakeholder workshop on 22nd January, NSB (NSI) sessions 23-24th January.
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The Commonwealth Standards Network 2020 corporate video highlights the programme's ongoing work in supporting intra-Commonwealth trade particularly in developing countries through the increased use of international standards - helping achieve economic prosperity, reduce poverty and create new market opportunities. CSN subbed version FINAL 40MB.mp4
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The Commonwealth Standards Network (CSN) in-country NSB training and stakeholder workshops took place in Nigeria from 3rd-5th December; the events focussed on the relationship between international standards and technical regulations, the development of the technical regulations, as well as improving the visibility of the role of standards for stakeholders and end users. The sessions were delivered by Peter Sissons (BSI, Head of International Engagement), and a consultant from WTO in collaboration with experts from the Standards Organisation of Nigeria and the British High Commission. More than 50 representatives from the NSB, NAFDAQ, NAQS, Ministry of Agriculture and the Nigeria Export Promotional Council participated in the sessions. A total of 30 CSN in-country short-term training sessions are being delivered until March 2020. If you’d like to know more about the CSN, please contact Ben Hedley ben.hedley@bsigroup.com. -
The Commonwealth Standards Network (CSN) in-country NSB training and stakeholder workshops took place in Gaborone, Botswana 19-21st November 2019; the events focussed on increasing international trade via the adoption of international standards to support national regulations. The sessions were delivered by Sahar Danesh (BSI, Government Engagement Manager), and an external consultant in collaboration with experts from the Botswana Bureau of Standards. More than 80 representatives from the NSB and Government, Education, and Private sectors attended. Pictured below is Sahar (r) meeting the Botswanan Acting Permanent Secretary in the Botswana Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry. A total of 30 CSN in-country short-term training sessions are being delivered between February 2019 and March 2020. If you’d like to know more about the CSN, please contact Ben Hedley ben.hedley@bsigroup.com.
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CSN India session (TBC)
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Today as we celebrate World Standards Day, this year's theme is Video: Video content helps us engage, connect and tell our story visually with audiences across the globe. Here are our video highlights from the recent Commonwealth Standards Network Annual Meeting which took place in Cape Town, on 18th September. The event brought together more than 50 delegates from over 20 different national and regional standards bodies who shared their views to shape the future roadmap of the Commonwealth Standards Network. CSN ANNUAL EVENT HIGHLIGHT VIDEO - Web Version.mp4
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Message from David Bell, Director of Standards Policy, BSI: Dear Commonwealth Standards Network member, I am delighted to inform you that today at the Commonwealth Trade Ministers meeting in London, the UK International Trade Minister Liz Truss announced £2.5m of UK Aid funding to support the next stage of the Commonwealth Standards Network (CSN) from April 2020 to March 2021. The additional funding will help the CSN continue its valuable work in partnership with National Standards Bodies and other stakeholders throughout the Commonwealth to promote the development and use of international standards, leading to enhanced trade and economic development. The CSN work programme for 2020-21 is now being finalised. It is being informed by the valuable feedback and suggestions that have been provided by CSN members and other stakeholders via training sessions, survey responses, and the annual meetings. The work programme will include the continued growth and development of the membership of CSN, governance structures, the online portal, training materials, in-country NSB training and stakeholder workshops, and additional technical assistance programmes. In just over a year the CSN has already become the biggest network of National Standards Bodies in the ISO family. As a collaborative network it relies on the continued engagement from its membership to achieve its aims. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support for the network and look forward to continuing to work with you in the future. Yours faithfully, David Bell Director of Standards Policy BSI www.commonwealthstandards.net CSN 2020-21 Funding announcement.pdf CSN 2020-21 funding press release.pdf
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untilCSN Nigeria sessions (TBC)
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The CSN will be represented at the BSI Standards Forum and Awards, London, UK. https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/our-services/events/2019/standards-conferences-uk/autumn-standards-conference-UK/
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CSN workshop session at the IFAN 2019 members assembly. IFAN (The International Federation of Standards Users) is an independent, non profit-making international association of national organizations for the application of standards, companies, professional and trade associations, and governmental agencies, concerned with the use of standards.
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CSN Workshop as a side meeting to the ISO/TC 283 meetings in Kigali, Rwanda.
