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    Ben Hedley
    ISO have created a list of freely available standards to assist in the COVID-19 efforts:
    https://www.iso.org/covid19
     
    This action has been coordinated with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), who are making complementary standards freely available at: https://webstore.iec.ch/webstore/webstore.nsf/xpFAQ.xsp?OpenXPage&id=GFOT-BNAEXA 
    Ben Hedley
    ISO Publication, May 2021:
    Standards & economic growth: ISO members’ research on the impact of standards on their national economies.
    "Very often, the notion that standards are beneficial to economies is taken as a given. Although it is easy to imagine the efficiencies created by standards at the company level and in trade relationships, these assumptions can be difficult to “prove”.
    ISO members have provided economic analysis that seeks to show, in real terms, the economic benefits of standards. These studies make state-of-the-art knowledge about the economic impacts of standards widely available and help to demonstrate how standards are a critical part of an economy’s knowledge system."
    https://www.iso.org/files/live/sites/isoorg/files/store/en/PUB100456.pdf 
    Ben Hedley
    BSI Education Podcast – Commonwealth Standards Network
     
    In this episode of the #bsiedpod, Cindy Parokkil and Matthew Chiles speak to Peter Sissons, Ece Lynch, Patricia Ejalu (Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS)) Charles Davies, and Benjamin Hedley about what drove the development of the #CSN, its impact on the ground in member countries, and the future plans for the network.

    Listen now: https://lnkd.in/dzbjT8y 
    Ben Hedley
    Information shared from: https://giaccentre.org/commonwealth-benchmarks/ 
    Commonwealth Anti-Corruption Benchmarks
    The Commonwealth Anti-Corruption Benchmarks were published in April 2021.  They were produced by the Commonwealth Secretariat in collaboration with GIACC and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).  They were developed in consultation with representatives of the African Union, the International Monetary Fund, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and Commonwealth law ministries, anti-corruption agencies, and partner organisations.  Catherine Stansbury, Co-founder and Director of GIACC, is the principal author of the Benchmarks.
     
    The Benchmarks contain good practice anti-corruption measures.   They are intended primarily to help governments and public sector organisations assess their anti-corruption laws, regulations, policies and procedures against international good practice, and implement appropriate improvements.   
    They address corruption across key areas of the public and private sectors which are either important for combatting corruption or which are vulnerable to significant corruption.  In relation to each key area, the Benchmarks promote the concepts of honesty, impartiality, accountability, and transparency and provide for specific anti-corruption measures.
    The Benchmark measures are designed to be achievable, practical, and auditable.   They provide a holistic and interlocking system that aims to reduce and deal with the risk of corruption in the public and private sectors.
    Download Commonwealth Anti-Corruption Benchmarks
    Ben Hedley
    CSN_UNECE Gender Responsive Standards Initiative_Session_30-03-2021 (v2).pdf
     
    CSN session: UNECE Gender Responsive Standards Initiative
    30th March 2021
    13:00-14:00 GMT/UTC
     
    Background:
    As part of the Commonwealth Standards Network’s (CSN) objectives to promote good practices in the use and development of international standards we will be running an online session from 13:00-14:00 (GMT/UTC) on 30th March to discuss the UNECE Gender Responsive Standards Initiative.
    The UNECE Gender Responsive Standards Initiative provides a practical way for standards bodies wishing to take a step towards making the standards they develop and the standards development process they follow gender responsive, it aims to:
    ·       Strengthen the use of standards and technical regulations as powerful tools to attain SDG 5 (Achieve Gender Equality and Empower all Women and Girls),
    ·       Integrate a gender lens in the development of both standards and technical regulations,
    ·       Elaborate gender indicators and criteria that could be used in standards development.
    Open access via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/95558520433
    Presenters:
    ·       Host:
    o   Stephanie Eynon: Chair of the UNECE Gender Responsive Standards Initiative
    ·       Panellists and Presentations:
    o   Emmanuel Gatera, Rwanda Standards Board (RSB)
    o   Gabrielle White, Standards Council of Canada (SCC)
    o   Michelle Parkouda, Standards Council of Canada (SCC)
    o   Judith Fessehaie, SheTrades.
    Topics:
    ·       What is the UNECE Gender Responsive Standards Initiative?
    ·       Why is it important?
    ·       What is the UNECE Gender Responsive Standards Declaration?
    ·       How to adopt the declaration
    ·       How to create NSB action plans and implement changes.
    ·       ISO IWA 34:2021 ‘Women's entrepreneurship — Key definitions and general criteria’
     
    The discussions will conclude with a Q&A session.
    Please feel free to provide questions or comments beforehand by contacting the CSN Senior Programme Manager Ben Hedley ben.hedley@bsigroup.com  
    Binu Merin Jacob
    Join BSI’s Quentin Dunstan to explore the key insights from the BSI Organizational Resilience Index Report 2021, which highlights results from more than 500 global business leaders how they survived, stabilized, rebuilt and thrived in 2020, a year that tested resilience more than any other. The report is also a unique benchmarking tool that can help leaders discover how resilient their organizations really are.
    For more information and to register, please click here: https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/our-services/events/webinars/2021/how-do-leaders-build-resilient-organizations/
    Binu Merin Jacob
    The Aid-for-Trade Stocktaking Event will assess the trade impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and make the case to mobilise Aid-for-Trade financing to support recovery and foster resilience.
    Click here for more information bout the agenda: https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/devel_e/a4t_e/gr21_e/gr21_e.htm
    Click here to watch the live webcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRGJC0QriuM
    Binu Merin Jacob
    Standards play an important in supporting economic growth through their role in boosting productivity and innovation. Here's a link to the comprehensive report that provides an in-depth analysis of the economic benefits of standards within the UK economy: https://www.bsigroup.com/LocalFiles/en-GB/standards/BSI-standards-research-report-https://www.bsigroup.com/LocalFiles/en-GB/standards/BSI-standards-research-report-The-Economic-Contribution-of-Standards-to-the-UK-Economy-UK-EN.pdf-UK-EN.pdf
    Binu Merin Jacob
    ISO/TC 304 has been created to conduct standardization in the field of healthcare organization management. A series of virtual sessions are being organized for developing countries to create awareness around TC 304 and to train on key elements about ISO, its standard development process and how to participate efficiently. These sessions will help experts and delegates from developing countries to be better prepared for the upcoming virtual meetings of TC 304 and make their vouces heard.
    For more information and to register for the first in the series of workshops, please click here: https://www.iso.org/capacity-building-tc304.html
    Binu Merin Jacob
    Coinciding with the World Consumer Rights Day, BSI has launched a 'Consumers and standards' podcast series today, in association with CPIN, the independent consumer and public interest network.

    The first episode in the series features Helena Leurent, Director General of Consumers International  - the organization behind World Consumer Rights Day. In the podcast, she talks about this year's theme around "No Plastic Pollution" and the important role of international standards in delivering consumer rights.
    To listen to the podcast, click here: https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/bsigroup/episodes/2021-03-14T17_00_00-07_00
    Binu Merin Jacob
    Extending the celebrations around World Consumer Rights Day on 15 March, ARSO is hosting a webinar to highlight the various opportunities presented by the AfCFTA w.r.t the role being played by ARSO to ensure the participation of Consumers in Africa's Standardisation, and focuses on:., 
    the Opportunities with the AfCFTA Agreement The Role by the African Union to facilitate Buy in Africa and from Africa The Private Sector role and challenges, especially the Motovehicle industry Role of the ARSO Consumers Committee (ARSO COCO) Role of the ISO/COPOLCO and international best practices. To register, please click on the following link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0tdOGrrTspHdDSpk3c5uu4QGrstRLF3xew
     
    FLYER_17_03_2021_ARSO WEBINAR_CONSUMERS AND TRADE.pdf
    Binu Merin Jacob
    Commonwealth Day is an annual celebration observed by people all over the Commonwealth in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Americas, the Pacific and Europe. 
    This year's theme for Commonwealth Day, will be centred around the same theme as last year - 'Delivering a Common Future' - highlights how the 54 member countries in the Commonwealth family are ‘innovating, connecting and transforming’ to help achieve some of its biggest goals, like fighting climate change, promoting good governance 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.
    To find out more about the scheduled list of online events, download social media toolkit, and to read the 2021 Commonwealth Day Affirmation, click here: https://thecommonwealth.org/commonwealth-day
     
    Binu Merin Jacob
    On the occasion of this year’s International Women’s Day, the ILO pays tribute to the tremendous efforts made by women in shaping a more equal future and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
    To read more and to register for the event, please click here: https://www.ilo.org/gender/Events/WCMS_773334/lang--en/index.htm
     
    Binu Merin Jacob
    On International Women’s Day, the Commonwealth Secretariat will be hosting a virtual event to put a spotlight on women’s leadership in responding to COVID-19 and charting an equitable recovery.  
    For more information and to register for the event, please click here: https://thecommonwealth.org/media/event/event-international-womens-day-2021-womens-leadership-building-back-better-after
     
    Binu Merin Jacob
    ISO has officially lunched the ISO Strategy 2030, all documents and supporting tools can be accessed here: https://connect.iso.org/x/wxVaCw
    To find out more about the ISO Strategy 2039, please click on the following link and the attachment: iso.org/strategy2030 http://iso.org/strategy2030
    Launch of ISO Strategy 2030.pdf
    Binu Merin Jacob
    This virtual event will explore the impact of COVID-19 on the tourism sector in the Commonwealth Small States including Antigua and Barbuda, the Maldives, and Grenada - including a review of current policy initiatives being undertaken to tackle the tourism decline. 
    Date and time: Friday, 19 February, 11am - 1:30pm
    For more information and to register, please click here: https://thecommonwealth.org/media/event/event-covid-19-and-tourism-mapping-way-forward-commonwealth-small-states
    Binu Merin Jacob
    We are pleased to announce that CSN eLearning Modules 1 & 2 are now available on the portal. Please click on the links below to complete the courses; more courses will be launched in the coming weeks:
    CSN eLearning Module 1: International standards CSN eLearning Module 2: Benefits of using international standards We look forward to your active participation in completing Modules 1 and 2. 
    Binu Merin Jacob
    CEN-CENELEC have partnered with ENISA to jointly hosting a free virtual conference on ‘Standardization in support of the Cybersecurity Act (CSA)’.
    The event will take place in the afternoons (CET) of 2nd, 3rd and 4th of February 2021 and will feature sessions on the Radio Equipment Directive (RED), the Consumer Internet of Things (CIoT) and 5G among other topics.
    For more information and to register for the event please click here: https://www.enisa.europa.eu/events/cybersecurity_standardisation_2021/
     
     
    Binu Merin Jacob
    Hosted by the World Economic Forum (WEF) COVID Action Platform, The Davos Agenda will bring together global leaders to shape the principles, policies and partnerships to build a more inclusive, integrated and sustainable future as soon as possible. 
    Date: 25-29 January, 2021
    For more information, please click here: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/11/how-to-follow-the-davos-agenda/
    To watch the livestreamed sessions, please click here: https://www.weforum.org/events/the-davos-agenda-2021
    Binu Merin Jacob
    The online international Climate Adaptation Summit (CAS) brings together global leaders and local stakeholders to launch the comprehensive Adaptation Action Agenda.  The agenda sets out clear actions and sustainable solutions to make our world more resilient to the effects of climate change.
    For more information and to register, click here: https://www.cas2021.com/ 
    Binu Merin Jacob
    Version 1 of BSI Flex 5555 Community face covering specification is now available to download on the following link: https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/topics/novel-coronavirus-covid-19/community-face-coverings?utm_source=pardot&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=SM-STAN-LAU-HLTH-FaceCoverings%2FFLEX-2101
    Alternatively, you may also download the document here.
     
    BSi_Flex_5555_v1.pdf
    Binu Merin Jacob
    A week long series of free webinars has been organised to provide a multi-sector view of the collective challenges that must be met to reach the net zero carbon emissions target by 2050.
    Date: 18-21 January, 2021
    For more information and registration: https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/our-services/events/webinars/2020/net-zero-week/
    Binu Merin Jacob
    BSI has worked with a wide range of experts to produce PD ISO/PAS 45005:2020 Occupational health and safety management — General guidelines for safe working during the COVID-19 pandemic. These guidelines help organizations adjust the way they work during the pandemic to protect workers and the people they come into contact with.
    The new guidelines provides practical recommendations on how to manage a safe return to work including:
    best practice and accurate advice based on current knowledge and lessons learned practical examples and guidance on preparing a rapid response plan resuming operations, those that have been operational throughout the pandemic, and those that are starting operations For more information and to download a free copy of the guidelines ((also see attached) please click on the following link: https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/topics/novel-coronavirus-covid-19/covid-19-guidelines/ 
     
    PD_ISOPAS_45005_2020.pdf
    Binu Merin Jacob
    The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) in partnerhip with the CSN recently produced 24,000 illustrated guidelines on best practices for the handling and processing of five different types of fish. The guidelines were produced for the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) to aid fishermen and fish exporters on handling process to improve the quality and boost the fish exports. Download to read in full.

     
    Press release_ UNBS Produces 24,000 Illustrated Guidelines To Improve The Quality Of Fishery Products.docx
    Binu Merin Jacob
    This webinar will discuss the following: 
    understanding value chain risk as a result of external shocks and emerging mega-trend rethinking existing approaches to international production and global sourcing? improving resilience of their global footprint building resilience through policy and international cooperation and good practices For more info, registration or live streaming: https://www.unido.org/FGI
    Date and time: 15 Dec, 3om-4:30pm (CET)
    Binu Merin Jacob
    This webinar will focus on the key challenges related to the future of work, how they affect local communities, and what SSE institutions are doing or could do toward addressing them.
    Date and time: 3 Dec, 1:30pm-3pm (CEST)
    More information and registration: https://www.ilo.org/global/topics/cooperatives/events/WCMS_757263/lang--en/index.htm
    Binu Merin Jacob
    This is the first in a series of ILO online Talks that go beyond the regular webinar will hear insights from the founder of the world’s leading professional social network, LinkedIn, whose users are experiencing world of work transformations first-hand during these unprecedented times.
    Date and time: 8 Dec at 4pm (CET)
    More info and registration: https://www.ilo.org/global/meetings-and-events/events/talks/lang--en/index.htm
    Binu Merin Jacob
    The 2nd workshop by ISO will present the ISO Standardization Foresight Framework in detail, explaining its development, its four phases (environmental scanning, ideation, distillation and refinement), its inputs and outputs. The workshop will also discuss how ISO members can participate in the pilot. 
    Date and time: 9 Dec, 09:00-10:30 or 15:00-16:30 CET
    More info and registration: https://www.iso.org/sff-workshop-part-2.html
    foresight-wshop-20201209.pdf
    Binu Merin Jacob
    The webinar explore knowledge about the implementation of innovative solutions to water challenges on the African continent through inter alia technical skills development, private sector engagement, technology transfer and digitalisation, country-specific challenges in the water and sanitation sector, and how different  stakeholders have successfully addressed them.
    Date and time: 8 Dec, 2pm-3:30pm (Brussels)
    Further information and registration: https://www.unido.org/events/tech-skills-sustainable-water-management-youth-employment-africa
     
    Binu Merin Jacob
    As businesses increasingly adopt digital ways of working, they're also realising that technology and data can help with productivity and work performance as well as workers health, safety and wellbeing (HSW) - which all contribute to a more sustainable, resilient business. However, HSW and digital transformation are often seen as two isolated strategies and this webinar will explore how the two strategies can mutually benefit workers and organizations alike.  
    Link for more information and registration: https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/our-services/events/webinars/2020/strategic-digitalization-protect-your-workers-and-drive-long-term-success/
    Date and Time: 8 Dec, 06:00 - 07:00, 10:00 - 11:00 and 16:00 - 17:00  (UK)
    Binu Merin Jacob
    This webinar brings together key experts to discuss trends, challenges and opportunities in Africa’s health technology sector especially in the current pandemic situation.
    Date: Thursday, 26 November 2020, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM (GMT+8)
    More information and registration: https://gems.gevme.com/asbf-webinar-series-health-technology-opportunities-in-africa-17128247
    Binu Merin Jacob
    This is the first in a series of workshops by ISO which will be providing a general introduction to foresight and how it can be applied to standardization work. The workshop will also include interactive activities for developing a 'foresight mindset' and workshop tools for foresight practice. 
    Date: Wednesday, 25 November, 9am-10:30am or 3pm-4:30pm CET (running twice to cover all times zones)
    For more information and registration: https://www.iso.org/sff-workshop-part-1.html
    Binu Merin Jacob
    This webinar by Enterprise Singapore will explore West Africa’s building and construction landscape and how businesses in Singapore can address the gaps in the market. It will also be an opportunity to learn about the immediate needs of the market in its current climate.
    Date: Tuesday, 24 Nov, 2020, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM (GMT+8)
    For more information and link to register: https://gems.gevme.com/west-africa-building--construction-roundtable-17302289
     
     
    Binu Merin Jacob
    The webinar will discuss what good looks like for good collaboration and its role in driving sustainable, resilient businesses to deliver long-term benefits and leave a lasting legacy for societies - especially as teams around the world are working more virtually.
    Date: Tuesday, 24 November at 6am, 10am, 4pm (UK) 
    Link for registration: https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/our-services/events/webinars/2020/collaborate-building-relationships-advancing-shared-success-for-a-sustainable-built-environment/
    Binu Merin Jacob
    The Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS) will be hosting a virtual stakeholder forum on the draft compulsory standard PCTTCS 10:20XX, Garments and Textiles – Compulsory Requirements.
    Objectives:
    To highlight the key technical requirements of this proposed Compulsory Standard To obtain feedback to assist in the finalization of the standard Date: Wednesday 18th November 2020
    Time: 10:00 am to 12 noon 
    Click here to Register Online
    For further information email standardization@ttbs.org.tt
    Randy Siew
    The Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards will be hosting a virtual stakeholder forum on the draft compulsory standard PCTTCS 10:20XX, Garments and Textiles – Compulsory Requirements.
    Objectives:
    To highlight the key technical requirements of this proposed Compulsory Standard To obtain feedback to assist in the finalization of the standard Date: Wednesday 18th November 2020
    Time: 10:00 am to 12 noon
    Click here to Register Online
    Click here to read draft standard
    Click here to submit comments on the draft standard
    For further information contact Nicola Nanton-Creese via telephone: 662-8827 ext. 2042/2043 or email standardization@ttbs.org.tt
     
     
     

    Binu Merin Jacob
    This webinar will be discussing climate and health and understand the best way to achieve health adaptation and resilience for the most vulnerable countries and communities, with a specific emphasis on Small Island Developing States in the current context.
    Time: Tuesday, 10 Nov, 2020, 2am-3:30am UTC
    For online registration: https://who.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_tirOb80OQX-MyT_J6DXnCQ
    Binu Merin Jacob
    This webinar will cover the evolution of the pandemic and how it has changed habits, global approach towards face coverings, and differentiating between surgical masks, PPE and face coverings. 
    Date: Thursday, 05 November 2020, 14:00 - 15:00 (UK Time)
    Online registration and further information: https://page.bsigroup.com/l/73472/2020-10-02/vd2638?_ga=2.218649369.1819390317.1604326308-500809806.1604326308
    Binu Merin Jacob
    This webinar will be addressing the ever increasing need to build trust and maintain a consistent approach to food safety and quality, globally. Come learn how adopting standards can help align customers’ growing expectations of food safety, improve operational efficiency and gain access to new markets.
    Date: Fri, 6 Nov, 2020, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM (GMT+8)
    Online Event Registration and further information: https://gems.gevme.com/IFSS2020
    Randy Siew
    Join the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards for a FREE webinar on Building Competitiveness in the Food and Beverage Sector at the virtual Trade and Investment Convention (TIC) on Friday 30th October, 2020 from 13:45 – 15:00 GMT. This Webinar will highlight the requirements of our National Standard, TTS 642:2018, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for the Food Industry – Requirements.
    This standard establishes minimum requirements for a food safety and quality system in food processing, manufacture, handling, packaging, storage, transport or holding, for any sector of the food chain, where food is offered for sale or supply for public consumption.
    Join on Zoom - https://zoom.us/join
    Webinar ID: 976 9735 2362
    Passcode: 809018
    Binu Merin Jacob
    Inviting business leaders, Relience, HR and Health & Safety Directors to join BSI for a discussion on:
    Mental health - the silent epidemic in construction, and what can be done Psychological health - the stress and other psychosocial risk factors Diversity, and in particular, gender and age Wellbeing programmes - what good looks like Time: Wednesday, 28 October from 6am-7am; 10am-11am; 4pm-5pm (UK time)
    Link to register: https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/our-services/events/webinars/2020/prioritizing-people-the-route-to-successful-sustainable-and-resilient-construction/
    Binu Merin Jacob
    BEI and Australian states representatives from key business sectors including infrastructure, cybersecurity, defence, rail, mining etc. will be presenting an exciting discussion on the future of UK-Australia trade relations. 
    Time: Thursday, 10am to 11:30am (GMT)
    Link to register: https://www.britishexpertise.org/product/trade-business-opportunities-in-australia
    Binu Merin Jacob
    Kenya is set to become one of the key economic partners for the UK in Africa. Join BEI on Wednesday, 21 October to find out more about the opportunities and challenges for UK stakeholders investing in trade and business ventures with Kenya. Please ensure you are signed up or signed in to the BEI portal to register.
    Time: Wednesday, 21 October, 2020; 10am-11:30am BST
    Link to register: https://www.britishexpertise.org/product/kenya-a-land-of-many-business-opportunities-a-deep-dive-series
    Binu Merin Jacob
    ISO and UNE will be hosting a joint webinar inviting all interested members and stakeholders for a discussion on the role of standards to help prevent the spread of the virus in the tourism sector and allowing the industry to operate under safe working conditions internationally.
    Time: 1pm BST on Wednesday, 21 October
    Link to register: https://www.iso.org/iso-une-tourism.html
     
     
    Binu Merin Jacob
    The GDP of developing conutries in Asia is set to shrink by 0.7% in 2020, although it is expected to grow by 6.8% in 2021, however, still leaving the region's economy a lot smaller than forecasted before CV-19. With this view, the British Expertise International (BEI) will be collaborating with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to provide a macroeconomic update on the impact of CV-19 specifically for Asia. Please ensure you are signed up or signed in to the BEI portal to register.
    Time: Tuesday, 20 October, 9:30am - 11:30am BST
    Link to register: https://www.britishexpertise.org/product/adb-economic-outlook-update-the-global-economic-recovery
    Binu Merin Jacob
    In light of the current risks posed by COVID-19, delivering essential services including health, education, and social protection are becoming more challenging. This event will focus on how to protect human capital, safeguard the vulnerable, and improve remote learning as part of a more inclusive and resilient recovery. 
    Click on the following link for more information about the speakers and to tune in for the LIVE coverage and post event LIVE Q&A session from Washington D.C: https://live.worldbank.org/human-capital-covid-19
    Binu Merin Jacob
    This seminar will focus on the World Bank report about The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA): Economic and Distributional Effects and the AfCFTA agreement. It will be live streamed via YouTube and will be held in English. 
    Date/ Time: 8am-9am, Friday, 16 October (JST)
    Livestreaming link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hf5WKbz7TiI
    Further information: https://www.worldbank.org/en/events/2020/10/16/afcfta-economic-and-distributional-effects
    Binu Merin Jacob
    Join global leaders and private sector innovators on Friday, 16 October at 2pm GMT as they discuss the need for digital technologies and explore new ways to accelerate digital access and connectivity in times of crisis. Keynote speakers include Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google & Alphabet.
    Time: Friday, 16 October, 2-3pm (10-11am ET)
    More information and link to LIVE coverage: https://live.worldbank.org/closing-the-digital-divide
     
    Binu Merin Jacob
    Globally, the current focus is on reducing and containing the number of infections and the spread of the virus until a vaccine is widely available. Join the Centre for Middle East Policy at Brookings Institute on Friday, 16 October at 2pm GMT as they discuss views from the intelligence community about the pandemic. 
    Time: Friday, 16 October at 2-3pm GMT (10-11am EDT)
    More information and link to register for webcast: https://www.brookings.edu/events/anticipating-covid-19-a-view-from-the-intelligence-community/
    Binu Merin Jacob
    17 October is observed as 'World Poverty Day' and this year, the event will highlight the urgency to fight global poverty in view of the current drawbacks posed by COVID-19. The rate of extreme poverty has gone up for the first time this year in 20 years, reversing the trend  that has so far been lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty. 
    The event will look at the various obstacles to poverty reduction including conflict and climate change and focus on initiating long-term recovery plans for developing countries moving forward. 
    Time: Saturday, 17 October, 2-3pm GMT (10-11am ET)
    Link to event: https://live.worldbank.org/end-poverty-day-2020
     
     
    Binu Merin Jacob
    The CSN annual meetings this year are being hosted as regional online sessions factoring in time zone differences across the Commonwealth. The Caribbean and Americas regional session will take place at 3pm (GMT +1) on Tuesday, 20 October [8am CST/ 9am EST/ 10am AST]. 
    The meeting is an important opportunity for participants to receive updates on the CSN progress and future support for the programme in the current climate. The invitation, draft agenda and dial-in details can now be downloaded here. 
    Time: Tuesday, 20 October, at at 3pm (GMT +1) [8am CST/ 9am EST/ 10am AST]
    Joining instructions: https://zoom.us/j/91881007714; Meeting ID: 918 8100 7714
     
    CSN Annual meeting- Caribbean and Americas session_20th October 2020.pdf
    Binu Merin Jacob
    Here's a quick round-up of news and updates about World Standards Day 2020 from the NSBs and international and regional organisations. We have a very important role to play in 'Protecting the Planet with Standards' especially against the current challenges we face today. From the Commonwealth Standards Network, we wish everyone a very positive World Standards Day. 
    BBS: http://bbs.gov.bz/poster-contest/
    BSJ: https://www.bsj.org.jm/articles/world-standards-day-2020-message-executive-director-hopeton-heron
    BSI: https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/about-bsi/uk-national-standards-body/world-standards-day/
    CEN-CENELEC: https://www.cencenelec.eu/news/events/Pages/EV-2020-31.aspx
    INNOQ: http://www.innoq.gov.mz/por/Conteudo-Principal/Ultimas-Noticias/Dia-Mundial-da-Normalizacao
    ISO: https://www.iso.org/news/ref2568.html
    ITU: https://www.itu.int/en/myitu/News/2020/10/14/10/14/World-Standards-Day-renew-resolve-protect-planet-standards-Houlin-Zhao
    IEC: https://blog.iec.ch/2020/10/announcing-the-winners-of-the-world-standards-day-2020-poster-contest/
    MCCAA: https://mccaa.org.mt/Section/EventContent?EventId=5833
    RSB: https://www.rsb.gov.rw/fileadmin/user_upload/files/pdf/new_stds/WSD_2020_Concept_note.pdf
    SON: https://son.gov.ng/news
    SCC: https://www.scc.ca/en/news-events/events/wsd
    SABS: https://www.sabs.co.za/worldstandardsday.asp
    SLSI: https://www.slsi.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=86:world-standards-day-14-october-2018&catid=9:event-calendar&Itemid=360&lang=en
    TBS: https://www.tbs.go.tz/events/world-standards-day
    TTBS: https://gottbs.com/2020/10/13/wsd2020/#.X4bS_WhKg2w
    UNBS: https://www.unbs.go.ug//news-highlights.php?news=160&read
    UNIDO: https://hub.unido.org/event/world-standards-day-2020
    WSC: https://www.worldstandardscooperation.org/world-standards-day/
    Binu Merin Jacob
    World Standards Day is celebrated every year on 14 October and this year's theme focuses on 'Protecting the Planet with Standards'. Standards provide consensus on what good looks like and using standards can accelerate your sustainability journey. It can support all areas of sustainability - whether it's environmental, economic, or social.
    Businesses that adopt more sustainable practices are far likely to better prepared in managing current and future challenges in protecting and safeguarding our planet. And as individuals, organisations and governments we all have a very important to role to play in protecting our planet with standards. 
    Take a look at this short video highlighting the views of some of the BSI experts on the importance of using standards for the sustainability of our planet: https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/about-bsi/uk-national-standards-body/world-standards-day/
     
    Binu Merin Jacob
    The impact of COVID-19 has taken a huge toll on lives, livelihoods and economies, exposing both the vulnerabilities and interconnectedness of our natural, human and physical capital. This event will look at how best countries can build sustainable recovery and resilience plans incorporating climate, nature and social inclusion in their stimulus packages. Click on the following link for more information about the speakers and to tune in for the LIVE coverage and post event LIVE Q&A session from Washington D.C: https://live.worldbank.org/sustainable-recovery-people-and-planet
    Binu Merin Jacob
    International Plain Language Day is held on 13 October each year to encourage governments and industries to make their communications more accessible. This year's theme is “Access for All: Plain Language is a Civil Right”, and to support this, ISO is currently developing a new standard, ISO 24495, Plain language - Part 1: Governing principles and guidelines, which will provide authors in most languages a unified approach to help them communicate effectively with their audiences. It will feature high-level principles, guidelines and techniques to help writers everywhere produce communications that work. 
    Click here to read more: https://www.iso.org/news/ref2566.html
     
    Binu Merin Jacob
    For many emerging and developing countries, the pandemic has aggravated the existing debt crisis and the consequent urgent need for a joint effort to address the situation. The real-time Defusing Debt - Creating Comprehensive Solutions event on Tuesday, 13 October, 2020 will be focussing on the following 3 areas from 4pm-5pm:
    1) How private creditors can contribute effectively to debt restructurings
    2) New challenges that have made sovereign debt workouts more cumbersome and difficult to achieve
    3) Key elements of  comprehensive solution to these problems
    Click on the following link for more information about the speakers and to tune in for the LIVE coverage: https://live.worldbank.org/defusing-debt-creating-solutions
    Binu Merin Jacob
    To watch a replay of the webinar please click on the following link: https://page.bsigroup.com/l/73472/2020-10-12/vp59l2
    With the convergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Operational Technology (OT), systems can now be connected to corporate IT, the cloud and central management systems. This webinar will be a) exploring the issue of security across the technology asset lifecycle, b) look at accountability from planning and manufacture, to installation and disposal, and c) explain how to have a robust system with risks managed.
    Date: Thursday, 8 October 2020 
    Time: 10.00 - 11.00 BST UK (5.00 - 6.00 ET US); 17.00 - 18.00 BST UK (12.00 - 13.00 ET US / 9.00 - 10.00 PDT US)
    For more information and to select your preferred time to register please click here: https://page.bsigroup.com/l/73472/2020-08-12/sz73wm?_ga=2.128067276.1507242155.1599123326-2134661026.1576509543&_gac=1.186410587.1597321778.CjwKCAjwydP5BRBREiwA-qrCGli1VxvxAFKk83nRWTJ2U5g1ZyNCBPYYMf5cdaYaBMIPQEDXC2pv0xoCJ0gQAvD_BwE
    Binu Merin Jacob
    The CSN annual meetings this year are being hosted as regional online sessions factoring in time zone differences across the Commonwealth. The Oceania regional session will take place on Wednesday, 14 October, at 11am (New Zealand time). The meeting is an important opportunity for participants to receive updates on the CSN progress and future support for the programme in the current climate. The invitation, draft agenda and dial-in details can now be downloaded here. 
    Time: Wednesday, 14 October, at 11am (New Zealand time)
    Zoom Meeting Link: https://zoom.us/j/92356484791; Meeting ID: 923 5648 4791
    CSN Annual meeting- Oceania 11am 14th October 2020 (NZ time).pdf
    Binu Merin Jacob
    The CSN annual meetings this year are being hosted as regional online sessions factoring in time zone differences across the Commonwealth. The Africa regional session will take place on Tuesday, 13 October, at 1pm (GMT +1). The meeting is an important opportunity for participants to receive updates on the CSN progress and future support for the programme in the current climate. The invitation, draft agenda and dial-in details can now be downloaded here. 
    Time: Tuesday, 13 October, at 1pm (GMT+1)
    Zoom Meeting Link: https://zoom.us/j/94514491528; Meeting ID: 945 1449 1528
     
     
    CSN Annual meeting - Africa 13th October 2020.pdf
    Binu Merin Jacob
    We published a case study film earlier this year which highlights the successful partnership between the CSN and UNBS in helping achieve standards compliance amongst local farmers in Uganda. Through the 'train the trainers' initiative, the farmers have grown to understand and appreciate why it's important to produce products that are in line with the international standards. 
    A pdf version of the same case study is now available here for you to read, view and download. If you'd like view the case study video separately, please click here.
    Training The Trainer To Achieve Standard Compliance In Uganda.pdf
    Binu Merin Jacob
    Earlier this year in May, the CSN published a case study film highlighting the benefits of creating better awareness about the use of standards in Uganda and its successful partnership with the UNBS to simplify and translate international standards for the benefit of the smallholder farmers in the country. A pdf version of the same case study is now available here for you to read, view and download. If you'd like view the case study video separately, please click here.
    Raising Awareness About The Benefits Of Using Standards In Uganda.pdf
    Binu Merin Jacob
    BSI will be running a webinar tomorrow to highlight the benefits of moving towards a circular economy. Join the webinar to gain a better understanding about circular thinking, existing linear business models, what success looks like, and future trends. 
    Time: Tuesday 29 September, 06:00 - 07:00, 10:00 - 11:00 and 16:00 - 17:00 (BST)
    To register please click here: https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/our-services/events/webinars/2020/thinking-differently-defining-future-success-for-a-sustainable-resilient-business-the-circular-economy/
    Ben Hedley
    "In May 2020, the Strategic Alliance and Regulatory Group of ISO's committee on conformity assessment (CASCO/STAR) surveyed those working in conformity assessment to understand their challenges related to COVID-19.
    The findings from the survey have been compiled into a document that should prove useful to anybody who works in conformity assessment and is facing challenges related to COVID-19."
     
    https://www.iso.org/ca-covid19.html
    Binu Merin Jacob
    BSI has a whole host of standards within the personal data, information security and business continuity sphere to help protect your organisation's key data by minimising the chances and reducing the impact of cyber attacks. Come join BSI experts on 24 September from 2pm-3pm who will demonstrate why these standards are so crucial and how you can go about implementing them within your business. 
    Time: Thursday, 24 September 2020 from 2pm to 3pm (BST)
    Registration: https://page.bsigroup.com/l/73472/2020-01-17/nl817w?_ga=2.233850590.1507242155.1599123326-2134661026.1576509543&_gac=1.183240532.1597321778.CjwKCAjwydP5BRBREiwA-qrCGli1VxvxAFKk83nRWTJ2U5g1ZyNCBPYYMf5cdaYaBMIPQEDXC2pv0xoCJ0gQAvD_BwE
     
    Binu Merin Jacob
    This year, the ISO General Assembly will be replaced by a virtual session for ISO members owing to the pandemic.
    Time: 24 September at 1pm BST
    For more information, please click here: https://www.iso.org/virtualsessionmembers.html
    To register, edit your registration or set up an ISO account, please click here: http://www.cvent.com/events/iso-members-virtual-session/event-summary-1f13646b8a614bfb9a07166aa8b8fe11.aspx?lang=en
     
    Binu Merin Jacob
    Organised by the World Economic Forum, this year's Sustainable Development Impact Summit themed, "Realizing a ‘Great Reset’ for Sustainable Development", will be fully virtual and will take place from the 21-24 September, 2020. The summit brings together leaders from the government, business, international organizations and civil society. You will have the opportunity to listen to and gain insights from a diverse group of experts and innovators to initiate, accelerate and scale-up entrepreneurial solutions to help tackle climate change and advance sustainable development whilst navigating through the COVID-19 crisis.
    For more information and registration, please click on the following link, or download the meeting overview document (see attached): https://weforum.ent.box.com/s/v4jqefot4xm0vn5sqs9a20fuj2zotk7r
     
     
    WEF 2020 Summit_Meeting Overview.pdf
    Binu Merin Jacob
    BSI ran a webinar on Safe Working During The Pandemic on Wednesday, 16 September at 13:00 - 14:30 UK time, complementing the publication of Version 3 of the Safe Working Guidelines (also see attached). Webinar registration link: https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/our-services/events/webinars/2020/safe-working-guidelines-v3/
    Safe_Working_Guidelines_V3.pdf
    Binu Merin Jacob
    The GMIS 2020 Virtual Summit will be welcoming a cross-section of thought leaders to discuss the future of manufacturing. Themed "Glocalisation: Towards Inclusive And Sustainable Global Value Chains", will be focussing on the challenges and opportunities of building resilient global value chains, restoring the global economy and promoting inclusive and sustainable development in the current crisis. 
    Time: 9am (GMT+2/ CET), 4 September; 10am (GMT+2/ CET, 5 September
    To register and find out more about the agenda please click here: https://www.gmisummit.com/gmis2020-agenda/virtual-summit
     
    Binu Merin Jacob
    Over the past months, BSI has been playing a vital role in the fight against COVID-19. By introducing BSI's Safe Working Guidelines and Workplace Hygiene Solutions, organisations and economies worldwide are being assisted to develop critical new products and solutions to help navigate their next normal in these challenging times.
    Check out this video which highlights how BSI continues to inspire trust for a more resilient world, supporting clients, communities and people in their fight against COVID-19: 
     
    Binu Merin Jacob
    UNBS in partnership with the CSN and supported by DFID has been taking standards to farmers in Uganda by simplifying and translating key standards and guideline documents in selected priority value chains including pineapples, rice, soybean, sheanut, and avocados. A total of 38,000 were printed in 12 local languages as part of Phase 1 of the programme. Download to read full press release.

     
    UNBS Press Release_TRAINING OF FARMERS ON STANDARDS.pdf
    Binu Merin Jacob
    Update - A quick overview of the session is now available on the link below: 
     
    Series 8 of the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit (GMIS) will be exploring the future of manufacturing and industries: Industry 4.0’s true potential in advancing the attainment of the SDGs and shaping Society 5.0.
    Time: 10am BST on Tuesday, 18 August 2020 
    To register please click here: https://www.gmisummit.com/gmis-digital-series
    Ben Hedley
    "This report presents recommendations to boost the participation of women in trade through free trade agreements.

    Policymakers and trade negotiators will find a new toolkit to gauge gender responsiveness in their agreements. These lessons are based on a research assessment of 73 selected free trade agreements in force among 25 Commonwealth countries, and top-line recommendations and model clauses for countries to adapt.

    The recommendations include embedding gender provisions in the preamble, leveraging corporate social responsibility, using reservations, waivers and general exceptions, and strengthening monitoring and dispute settlement mechanisms."
    More details and download available via: https://www.intracen.org/publication/mainstreaming-gender-FTA/
    Binu Merin Jacob
    OECD Survey of South Africa will be hosting a webinar to discuss the current economic situation and the impact of CV-19 in South Africa and the ways in which the country can strengthen its response to the crisis. 
    Time: 10am BST, on 31st July
    To register to the event, please click here: https://www.oecd.org/economy/oecd-economic-survey-of-south-africa-launches-on-friday-31-july.htm
    Binu Merin Jacob
    BSI will be hosting an informative webinar next week, on Wednesday, 29 July (2pm BST), to discuss Building Trust For Manufacturers of Infection Control Equipment. The webinar will be presented by expert speaker Holly Rossington, Electrical Certification Team Leader, who will explain the critical role standards and market assurance can play in demonstrating that a product is from a reliable and trusted source.
    Time: Jul 29, 2020 2pm BST
    To register, please follow this link: https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/our-services/events/webinars/2020/building-trust-for-manufacturers-of-infection-control-equipment/
    Binu Merin Jacob
    ISO/ TC322 will be hosting a webinar next week, on Thursday, 23 July (12pm BST), to discuss Why Sustainable Finance Standards Matter. The webinar will be presented by TC322 Chair Dr. Peter Young, and Dr. MA Jun, who will talk about why designing a resilient and sustainable financial framework is important in order to recover from the CV-19 pandemic. 
    This is an open webinar for all stakeholders and an excellent opportunity to learn more about the committee's work, and how to engage, influence and contribute to developing international standards in sustainable finance. 
    Time: Jul 23, 2020 11am UTC (12pm BST)
    To register, please follow this link: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1489322991980396560
    For queries: please contact Mike Henigan, TC322 Committee Manager, at mike.henigan@bsigroup.com 
    Binu Merin Jacob
    Update: A recording of the webinar is now available on YouTube and can be viewed on the following link: 
     
    UNIDO will be hosting a webinar tomorrow, 18 June (1pm BST) to discuss occupational health and safety - the ISO 45000 suite of standards and guidance by Martin Cottam and Sally Swingewood. The presentation will discuss relevant aspects of the standard in the fight against COVID-19 and how organisations can adapt their health and safety at the workplace.
    Time: Jun 18, 2020 14:00 PM CET (13:00pm BST)
    To register, please follow this link: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zWyEX448Q-CG0IrF5aW_6A
    Binu Merin Jacob
    World Accreditation Day is marked on 9 June every year as a global initiative jointly established by ILAC and IAF, to help raise awareness about the importance of being accredited. This year’s theme is about how accreditation is crucial in improving food safety (#WAD2020).
    Ensuring that high standards are maintained in the quality and safety of food helps boost the confidence of all players involved in the supply of food in preventing food borne diseases, especially as we navigate our way out of the current global pandemic.
    IAF and ILAC have produced a short film highlighting the role of accreditation in food safety which can be viewed here:
     
    Also, do check out their film about accreditation in the fight against COVID-19, here:
     
    Binu Merin Jacob
    Update: UNIDO have made a recording and transcript of this Webinar which is now accessible under the following link - https://zoom.us/rec/share/uot0DPbA0WdOfZ2WxWWBU68gB57Veaa8hCVLqPANzhmxsEW7qcA87woe1d-YvNH8
    Access Password: 5m$61=88
    ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
    UNIDO will be hosting a webinar tomorrow, 3 June (3.30pm BST) to discuss the fight against COVID-19 and what can be done on a regional level in the African, Caribbean and Pacific regions.
    The focus will be on standards and conformity assessment areas and ways to minimise the effects of the pandemic both during the crisis and post-crisis, and how these measures link to national quality infrastructure activities.
    Time: Jun 3, 2020 04:30 PM in Amsterdam, Berlin, Rome, Stockholm, Vienna (3.30pm BST): 
    To register, please follow this link: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XxY3k5k6REiuFJRt_PdLhg
    Ben Hedley
    Update: Version 2 of the ‘Safe Working During the COVID-19 Pandemic Guidelines’ is now available on the following link, and is applicable to large and small businesses alike: https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/topics/novel-coronavirus-covid-19/covid-19-guidelines/
    __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
    In its role as the UK’s National Standards Body, BSI has just published new, freely available safe working guidelines, to help businesses manage a safe return to work and reoccupation of their facilities. These guidelines are intended to become a consensus of good practice and BSI is encouraging stakeholders from business, government and civil society to have their say and share their own learnings and insight on safe working to help protect public health.
    With your valuable expertise, we’d really like to ask you to take part in this process and comment on the guidelines.
     The link to access the Version 1 guidelines document and make comments is here:  https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/topics/novel-coronavirus-covid-19/covid-19-guidelines/
     More about the guidelines:
    Version 1 of the guidelines is available for immediate use. It provides a framework for business owners, senior leaders, managers and workers to protect people at work from the ongoing risks related to the coronavirus.
     BSI is working with an Advisory Group on the project and will revise the document as frequently as necessary to reflect the dynamic situation businesses are in today, taking into account the comments, government guidance, the level of risk and emerging knowledge. A second Version of the guidelines will be published at the end of June with the revised sections clearly highlighted to assist easy implementation.
     Each Version of the evolving guidelines will be sector neutral and aligned to, and complementary to, current UK Government guidance.
     Many thanks for your input and involvement in this.
    Safe working during COVID-19 260520.pdf

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