UA-142864177-1 Jump to content

Ben Hedley

Administrators
  • Posts

    335
  • Joined

  • Last visited

  • Days Won

    9

Ben Hedley last won the day on October 29 2021

Ben Hedley had the most liked content!

Recent Profile Visitors

The recent visitors block is disabled and is not being shown to other users.

Ben Hedley's Achievements

12

Reputation

  1. International Standards supporting SDGs The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2023 makes clear that, halfway to the 2030 deadline for meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), progress has not met expectations. Urgent action is required to address poverty and inequality, improve social protections, education and gender equality, and widen access to digital technology. UN Secretary-General Guterres says that ‘these shifts must be supported by strengthened national institutions, greater accountability, effective regulatory frameworks and stronger digital infrastructure and data capacity.’ Standards have a crucial role to play in providing the underlying frameworks and assurance that can pave the way to progress on SDGs. What progress has been made towards the SDGs? In 2015, the UN agreed a 15-year plan to address some of the most pressing issues in the world by 2030. These issues were divided into 17 SDGS, covering everything from poverty and hunger to the environment, economic growth and strong institutions. Achieving the SDGs was never going to be easy, but world events since 2015 have created additional challenges. However, some analysts say that governmental inaction is also a major factor: the bold leadership required to change people’s habits has been lacking. According to the UN, of the 140 SDG targets that can be evaluated, half show moderate or severe deviations from the desirable trajectory. Almost one third (30%) of targets have shown no progress or have even reversed below the 2015 baseline. For governments, especially in developing countries, making progress on MDGs has to be balanced against other priorities. The long-term, open-ended nature of MDGs and the additional vision required to translate the goals into tangible, country-specific action might mean MDGs lose out to other needs. ISO standards to help meet SDGs The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published over 22,000 standards and related documents setting out guidelines and frameworks formed through international consensus. Many of these ISO standards can be used to put ideas into practice. ISO has even identified how many standards in its portfolio relate to each SDG – by far the most standards relate to SDG 9: industry innovation and infrastructure; 14,847 standards relate to this goal. For example, ISO 44001 covers business relationship management systems, which can help to facilitate business practices and relationships, while ISO 56002 sets out guidance on innovation management systems and ISO 56003 offers tools and methods for collaborative innovation partnership. Use of these standards can help to create an environment where businesses work together to become more than the sum of their parts, allowing them to innovate, grow and compete internationally. ISO standards can also help businesses to operate safely and with minimum impacts on the environment, for example by providing test methods to determine pollution levels, or specifications that help to ensure buildings are safe for users. Another key area where ISO standards can help is with SDG: Good health and Well-being. In developing countries, ensuring access to high quality healthcare is a challenge that can impact on national productivity and quality of life. ISO standards for everything from the ISO 11137 series on sterilizing healthcare products to ISO 37101 on the sustainable development of communities, or ISO 45001 on occupational health and safety, offer support for sectors and organizations looking to make improvements. Why not take a look at the ISO standards for yourself?
  2. African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) and the International Trade Centre (ITC) renew their memorandum of understanding ARSO and ITC recently signed a renewed memorandum of understanding to contribute to continent-wide efforts to establish a ‘Made in Africa’ label and boost trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). "The agreement renews a working commitment between the two organizations for five years until 2028, with an updated cooperation framework reflecting developments in Africa’s regional integration efforts, underpinned by the AfCFTA, and a growing global shift towards the use of sustainability standards to demonstrate commitment to good environmental, social, ethical and food safety practices. The organizations will also promote regional standards in AfCFTA priority sectors and the Eco Mark Africa ecolabel. They will work together to align National Quality Policies with the Africa Quality Policy, and provide other AfCFTA support measures, including tailored training sessions for small businesses, including those led by women and young entrepreneurs. At the signing ceremony, ARSO Secretary General Dr. Hermogene Nsengimana said: ‘This MOU will generate greater commitment between our organizations and boost intra-Africa trade, particularly through diversified production of value-added industrial products, across all priority sectors of Africa’s economy. Together, we will accelerate standardization activities to increase the competitiveness of African enterprises, strengthen regional value chains and pave the way for Made in Africa goods and services.’ In her remarks, ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton highlighted the role of stronger collaboration between the two organizations to strengthen regional integration and industrialization, building on improved quality infrastructure systems. Quality infrastructure services from ARSO enable AfCFTA State Parties to meet AfCFTA requirements." https://www.arso-oran.org/?page_id=64
  3. A groundbreaking workplace standard The creation of the BS 30416 Menstruation, menstrual health and menopause in the workplace standard gives business leaders, employers and managers the tools to establish inclusive organizations. The stigma surrounding menopause and menstruation has stalled effective support in the workplace for individuals, leading to avoidable stress for employees and unfairness within businesses. Addressing workplace challenges related to menstruation and menopause is crucial for fostering inclusivity and fairness. With only a small fraction of workplaces having specific policies in place, there's a pressing need for change to mitigate stress and promote job satisfaction. The BS 30416 standard provides a framework for businesses to create inclusive environments through measures like non-stigmatizing language, access to facilities, and flexible working arrangements. By fostering open communication and implementing practical solutions, businesses can support employees experiencing menstruation and menopause, ultimately enhancing productivity and retention. To deliver more positive outcomes for women's rights at work, BS 30416 contains guidance around non-stigmatizing language, access to facilities, and menstruation and menopause advocates, as well as provisions for flexible working for more severe symptoms (e.g. those experiencing endometriosis). Other practical measures cover comfortable seating, fans at desks and alternative uniforms. Open communication between employees and managers are also encouraged to remove the workplace stigma around menstruation, menstrual health and menopause. https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/insights-and-media/insights/case-studies/shaping-best-practice-around-menstruation-and-menopause-in-the-workplace/
  4. Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) and the Tanzania Police Force have joined forces to revolutionize vehicle inspections through the use of modern digital facilities. The partnership, marked by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing, aims to enhance road safety and protect lives from potential accidents. TBS Director General Dr Athuman Ngenya emphasized the shift from manual vehicle inspections to employing advanced digital equipment, ensuring efficiency and safety for all road users. The initiative, will deploy TBS experts and modern tools across the country, significantly contributing to reducing unnecessary road fatalities. The collaboration signals a new era of enhanced vehicle inspection, promoting adherence to safety standards on Tanzania's roads. https://www.tbs.go.tz/news/tbs-police-force-partner-on-vehicle-inspection
  5. Business Growth Toolkit – a series from The Standards Show - developed in collaboration with Innovate UK EDGE. The series looks at the relationship between standards and some key business issues, with particular relevance for SMEs. In this episode of the series Matthew speaks to Adrian Miller from The Institute of Collaborative Working about ISO 44001 – the international standard for collaborative business relationships. https://the-standards-show.onpodium.co/episodes/business-growth-toolkit-series-collaborative-business-relationships
  6. Small yards, big tents: How to build cooperation on critical international standards. Published by Brookings 11/03/2024. Key points: "Government can and should take steps to enable greater participation from a wider range of stakeholders but, if the system of standards development for AI and other critical emerging technologies is to be led by key standards development organizations (SDOs), these organizatons will have to do the most to broaden participation." "Governments can heighten awareness of standards and participation among their own personnel and the public. Elevating the level of the leadership involved standards-related activities will help increase their visibility." "The U.S., EU, China, and other governments and international bodies have recognized a need for international engagement on standards." https://www.brookings.edu/articles/small-yards-big-tents-how-to-build-cooperation-on-critical-international-standards/
  7. The Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has been granted accreditation by the International Accreditation Service (IAS) for four globally recognized Management System Standards. "A statement issued by the organisation listed the four Management System Standards as follows: Quality Management System (QMS) ISO 9001:2015, Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) ISO 45001:2018, Environmental Management System (EMS) ISO 14001:2015 and Food Safety Management System (FSMS) ISO 22000:2018. The remarkable accomplishment follows a rigorous assessment process conducted by IAS, verifying that the SON MSC department’s operations and audits conducted by SON auditors, comprehensively meet the stringent requirements of these international standards." https://son.gov.ng/2024/02/28/son-msc-department-secures-ias-accreditation-for-four-4-management-system-standards/
  8. The Ministry of Public Service, Consumer Affairs, and Sports and the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Bureau of Standards have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on January 25th, 2024. T his agreement aims to enhance cooperation and facilitate the exchange of vital information between the two entities. As a significant step in implementing the Consumer Protection Act No. 12 of 2020, this MOU solidifies collaboration in various areas, including the publication of standards, identification of goods and services meeting standards, and investigation of complaints. Signed by Mr. Raymond Ryan, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, and Mr. Ezra Ledger, Executive Director of the Bureau, this MOU marks a milestone in ensuring consumer rights and product quality. #MOU #ConsumerProtection #Collaboration https://annsvg.com/index.php/2024/02/17/memorandum-of-understanding-signed-between-ministry-of-public-service-and-the-svg-bureau-of-standards/?fbclid=IwAR2GQ6h9qCC4LQPNvx0fi9tqlvxhT-wUZOTpFwkp9fZ_VK3hjyJYbUb2rLc
  9. The launch of the Management System Certification Body (MSCB) marks a significant milestone for Sierra Leone, being the first of its kind in the country. Companies seeking certification for their management systems will now have the opportunity to do so through this innovative initiative. Certification fees range from $8,000 to $10,000, offering companies a valuable avenue to demonstrate their commitment to quality and efficiency. https://slsb.gov.sl/sierra-leone-standards-bureau-launches-first-of-it-kind-management-system-certification-body-mscb/
  10. St. Kitts and Nevis Bureau of Standards (SKNBS) achieves a groundbreaking milestone! As of January 25th, 2024, it is the first lab in the Caribbean and Western Hemisphere to gain ISO 17025 accreditation in Air Quality. ISO 17025 accreditation ensures technical competence, quality, and reliability of results. Stay tuned as SKNBS aims for accreditation in three more labs by 2025, along with ISO9001 certification in 2024. #SKNBS #ISO17025 #AirQualityAccreditation https://sknbs.org/sknbs-receives-iso-17025-international-laboratory-accreditation-in-air-quality/
  11. SCC launches Indo-Pacific standardization activities with Mongolia agreement "As part of the federal government’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) is pleased to announce that it is playing a key role in implementing Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy and receiving 2.5 million to undertake activities that will enhance trade, investment, and supply chain resilience in the region. ...As Canada’s national standards body and leading accreditation body, SCC is proud to be part of this new strategy as standards and conformity assessment help reduce trade barriers and contribute to the trustworthiness and confidence of the international trading system. " https://www.scc.ca/en/news-events/news/2023/scc-launches-indo-pacific-standardization-activities-with-mongolia-agreement
  12. The theme for Commonwealth Day 2024, and the forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, is ‘One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth’. Standards and wider Quality Infrastructure play a key role in creating and maintaining resiliance. The CSN is collaborating with our Commonwealth Partners to ensure the use of standards improve resiliance throughout the Commonwealth and beyond. https://thecommonwealth.org/commonwealth-day
  13. WTO Digital Progress and Trends Report 2023 available for download https://www.worldbank.org/en/publication/digital-progress-and-trends-report?cid=pub_tt_wbpublications_en_ext "This report tracks global progress of digitalization and countries’ production and use of digital technologies, from digital jobs, digital services exports, and app development to internet use, affordability, quality, and more. The report also highlights policy shifts and debates, with a focus on developing countries. Two clear trends have emerged that are shaping our digital future: the importance of digital public infrastructure and the transformative emergence of artificial intelligence. Closely measuring digital progress, especially in developing countries, will help policy makers and the private sector best direct their efforts to close the digital divide. "
  14. 41st Session of the ARSO Monthly Webinar series, co-organised with Senegal/ASN, under the Theme: Standardisation and Public Policy, and the topic: The role of standardisation in promoting the public policy Agenda and governance". The Webinar will be held on 28th February 2024 at 2.30pm Nairobi time. The webinar gives the platform to discuss how standardisation supports policymakers and regulators in preparing, adopting and applying policy, and in particular, technical regulations (TRs). Public Policies are Acts, legislations, statutes, ordinances, regulations used by Governments to focus on addressing problems, achieving transformation or a mixture of the two. Most public policies are aimed at guiding the delivery of public goods and services. https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMrcO6hrjgvHdBBpU1OZtY-bQY3pnmSo1hS#/registration
  15. The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs,has announced a $63 million funding to TradeMark Africa. "This strategic investment will fuel TradeMark Africa’s Strategy, covering the period till 2030, aimed at driving green, sustainable economic growth, fostering innovative trade practices, and promoting inclusive trade across Africa.............The Netherlands’ contribution will be invested in strengthening trade systems so that they benefit local exporters, foster economic growth, and create sustainable livelihoods across diverse sectors. This investment will be instrumental in improving market access for local products at the global level, in addition to bolstering initiatives that drive innovation, research, and development within the African market, enhancing competitiveness and green trading practices." https://www.trademarkafrica.com/press-release/trademark-africa-receives-63-million-from-netherlands-to-advance-sustainable-trade-and-economic-inclusivity/
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.