Ben Hedley

ARSO: 'Join us on 16th April 2024 from 1400 HRS EAT as we discuss on how we can successfully align the Regional and National Quality Policies to the Africa Quality Policy' Register Here - https://lnkd.in/dVWAcXns https://www.linkedin.com/feed/

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

"WTO-ITC High- Level Event on Women and Trade World Trade Organization (WTO) Members, the WTO Secretariat and the International Trade Centre (ITC) have placed inclusive trade at the forefront of global, regional and national agendas. In 2017, the Buenos Aires WTO Declaration on Trade and Women's Economic Empowerment was a key milestone in the global women and trade agenda with more than two-thirds of the WTO membership joining the Declaration. In 2021, 134 WTO members and observers established the Informal Working Group on Trade and Gender. At MC12, WTO members recognized the importance of women’s economic empowerment in international trade. Turning to Aid for Trade, ITC SheTrades Initiative, launched in 2015, has been a key driver in transforming opportunities for women producers and entrepreneurs. ITC SheTrades works with corporations, export promotion agencies, chambers of commerce, financial institutions and trade ministries to create sustainable and scalable impact for women entrepreneurs and producers. At the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13), the journey towards an inclusive trading system accelerates. WTO and ITC, in collaboration with the Government of the UAE, will hold a two-day high-level event to celebrate the progress made by women entrepreneurs in international trade and inspire governments and private sector to take bolder actions in their support for the trade and women’s economic empowerment agenda. WTO and ITC will convene governments, corporations, financial institutions, and thought leaders for a joint high-level event. The high-level event will witness the launch of the WTO-ITC Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund—a pioneering initiative that aims to leverage digitalization to boost the competitiveness of and unlock new markets for women-led businesses. The event also includes a series of thought-provoking panel sessions, networking opportunities, and the ITC SheTrades Innovation Festival. The Launch of the WEIDE Fund is preceded by the WTO-ITC SheTrades Summit, featuring a programme specially tailored to women entrepreneurs. Participants get to access a programme featuring masterclasses, panel sessions and a field visit." Start date & time (UTC+01:00) 24 Feb, 2024 08:00 End date & time (UTC+01:00) 25 Feb, 2024 22:00 Registration details https://events.intracen.org/event-register/PE-JK5244

Thursday, March 14th 14h00 to 16h00 UTC Description: Focus on actions and standards related to sustainability, climate change, environmental management, and circular economy. Proposed Topics for Exchange and Discussion: - Actions and standards for sustainability. - Climate change and its impact on standards - ISO/TC 207 - Environmental Management Participation and its support to mitigate climate change - Circular economy and its relation to standards Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYkcuioqDIqH9DO55rm7EN8AJMTAx_N8ANM#/registration

Ecolabeling more than a trend Thursday, March 7, 2024 20h00 to 22h00 UTC Objective: To raise awareness of what eco-labeling is, its importance and benefits, as well as the ISO 14020 series standards that help organizations address this issue. Target audience: NSBs, government entities, organizations in general, consultants, among others. Simultaneous translation (Spanish-English) will be provided. AGENDA: 20h00 - 22h00 UTC Activity Responsible 20h00 – 20h10 Welcome COPANT IRAM ICONTEC Kory Eguino Maria Arora Argullo Luisa Pallares 20h10 -20h50 Ecolabeling: What you should know Graem Drake 20h50- 21h10 Ecolabeling, an experience from Brazil Andre vilhena 21h10 – 21h30 Seal of the Americas Daniel Trillos 21h30 – 21h45 Q&A 21h45- 22h00 Closing Maria Arora Argullo Luisa Pallares Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEpfuusqz0uGNcTGIJoVn6t63sVltGHS9LG#/registration

https://iec.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__MJFZ9TwSHyPz_JPQXCP2A#/registration

"In this masterclass facilitated by Dr Suresh George, he reviews the current state of play around global geopolitics and the conundrum for the shifting geopolitical positions in the Commonwealth . This Masterclass attempts to reframe our thinking of India and China's emerging interests in doing business with the Commonwealth. Dr Suresh George is Associate Professor and Curriculum Lead for International Business, Coventry University. The MBA with a specialised pathway in Global Trade and Investment is a unique offer to employees of CWEIC Strategic Partners. This is a closed bespoke course which builds on the Coventry MBA in developing practice and creating sustainable long-term value. This masterclass will be followed with a short introduction to the CWEIC MBA and will allow for Q&A. "

BEI Webinar: Discussion with UK FCDO Development Director for South Sudan "Join us as we host Kobi Bentley, the Development Director in South Sudan for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), who will present FCDO’s development strategy, programming and pipeline of opportunities in South Sudan." https://www.britishexpertise.org/product/fcdo-development-director-south-sudan

The International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and The International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) are having a webinar on Quality Systems in Labs and Accreditation Challenges of the New ISO 15189:2022. The aim of the webinar is to share knowledge on the importance of accreditation in the medical field. The Webinar will take place on Tuesday 19 March 2024 from 13:00 to 14:30 (UTC+01:00). https://ilac.org/latest_ilac_news/joint-ifcc-ilac-webinar-19-march-2024/

Info from BEI: https://www.britishexpertise.org/product/africa-repatriation Challenges and Solutions for Profit Repatriation in African Markets For multinational organisations operating in Africa, the repatriation of profits can be a challenge in some markets due to currency volatility, foreign exchange controls, economic instability, and regulatory restrictions. Join us as our panel explores some of these complex challenges, and hear from some of the organisations who can help companies navigate them. Date: 22nd November 2023 Time: 10:00 am to 11:30 am (GMT) Location: Microsoft Teams Non-Member Price: Free

Info from BSI: https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/our-services/events/events/2023/autumn-standards-conference-2023/ Date: 9 November 2023 Timing: 09.00 – 17.00 (BST) Location: Westminster Central Hall BSI November Standards Conference 2023: Join us for a day of engaging conversations exploring the impacts of emerging technologies and our increasingly digital world. What to expect: The day will feature fascinating insights from our keynote speaker, as well as interactive breakout sessions. The closing session of the event will focus on the UK's quality infrastructure and regulation of emerging technologies. Additionally, the Knowledge Marketplace will feature exhibitors from BSI and from stakeholder organizations. Who should attend: Emerging technologies and digitalization affect us all and as such this conference is open to anyone who is interested in understanding our digital future and the role of standards in enabling it to be safe, secure and accessible to all. Please do share this event with anyone in your professional or personal network who you think might like to attend. Why should you attend: Emerging technology and digitalization are among the most pressing topics facing the modern world and whilst they offer significant opportunities, they also present certain risks. As the National Standards Body, BSI is at the forefront of ensuring our digital future is safe and secure for everyone. By attending this conference, you will be placing yourself at the heart of this crucial conversation, hearing from and networking with some of the leaders in this space. Be part of the conversation. Book your place(s) today.

Info from CWEIC: https://www.cweic.org/cbf/ctis/ Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit 2023 27 – 28 November, London, UK The third Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit (CTIS) will be hosted on 27 – 28 November, in London, UK at Glaziers Hall. Building on the success of CTIS 2021 and 2022, the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council is delighted to welcome Heads of Government, senior Ministers, and business leaders from across the Commonwealth for two days of sessions, meetings, and networking. This Business-to-Government Summit will draw participation from across the 56 Commonwealth member nations and will provide an opportunity to focus and strategise on key Commonwealth issues at the midpoint between the Commonwealth Business Forum in Kigali in June 2022, and the upcoming CHOGM and Commonwealth Business Forum in Samoa in October 2024. The 2023 Summit programme will focus on the key economic challenges and opportunities facing the Commonwealth this year, and identify areas in which the Commonwealth can help finance emerging markets, engage in sustainable business practices, and strengthen collaboration between the public and private sector. The Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit is developed and hosted by the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council.

https://www.bis.gov.in/G20-standards-dialogue/index.html Info from BIS: "Within the framework of India’s G20 presidency, Bureau of Indian Standards is delighted to organize the G20 Standards Dialogue 2023 on 02 and 03 November 2023 at the iconic Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, India. The dialogue will explore how sustainability can be addressed through inclusive standardisation and good regulatory practices to achieve ‘Zero Defect and Zero Effect’. The event is being organized with the support and guidance of Ministry on Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. This event will witness participation from World Standards Cooperation, a high-level collaboration between the three world-wide international standards development organizations, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), G20 member countries and invitees. The dialogue provides a platform for industry leaders, government officials, standards professionals, regulators and policy makers to come together and drive progress in standardization and global regulatory environment. It aims to explore how the G20 goal of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’ can be realized through the foundation built by standards. With a focus on sustainability, regulatory excellence, and stakeholder engagement, we aim to shape the standards of tomorrow."

https://www.arso-oran.org/?page_id=64 The African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) invites you to the 2nd Regional Quality Conference from 21st to 24th March 2023 in Kigali, Rwanda Under the Theme – Managing quality in a dynamic work environment for Competitive Advantage Key Note Speakers: 1. Dr Dr. Gregory H. Watson, an Honorary Member and Past President of both the American Society for Quality UTEP (ASQ) and the International Academy for Quality 2. Dr Hermogene Nsengimana, Secretary General – ARSO Target Audience: Chief Executives, Management Representatives, Auditors, Champions, Process owners and Managers of Management systems Topics to be covered include: 1. Excellence models applicable in the African context 2. Managing for quality in a dynamically changing world 3. Standardization – building trust for regional trade facilitation 4. Driving excellence in quality through Leadership 5. Data analytics – the game changer in decision making 6. Innovation and process re-engineering for quality improvement – Standard Register Here – bit.ly/404iqTw

https://www.iso.org/committee/54992.html#meetings

Subject: Invitation and draft agenda for Commonwealth Standards Network annual meeting Dear Commonwealth Standards Network stakeholder, I write to invite you to attend the Commonwealth Standards Network (CSN) annual meeting that will take place Tuesday 20th September, 12.00-13.00 in Abu Dhabi as a side-event of the ISO Annual Meetings. The meeting will be an opportunity to discuss CSN activities and to identify opportunities for forthcoming collaborative work and Technical Assistance programmes. Date/Time: Tuesday 20th September; 12.00-13.00 (Abu Dhabi time GST) Location: Executive Room, Floor 2, ADNOC Business Center*, Abu Dhabi. (*The same building as the ISO Annual meetings). Also available online: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88011172881?pwd=RzVWRm83eENkTE1mbDV0NExoZUxaZz09 Meeting ID: 880 1117 2881 Passcode: CSN2022 Attendees: Representatives of National Standards Bodies in Commonwealth countries and other interested parties such as regional standards organisations. Draft Agenda: Welcome and Introduction CSN Governance Overview of CSN programme and Resources Overview of new Standards Partnership and collaboration with CSN Digital Toolkit Workshop discussion: NSB needs assessments and next steps for CSN* (Delegates are requested to provide suggestions/talking points). Closing summary For more information please contact the CSN Senior Programme Manager Ben Hedley: ben.hedley@bsigroup.com

"Connected by similar traditions, language, governance and legal structures, monarchs, presidents and prime ministers from Africa, the Caribbean and Americas, Europe, Asia and the Pacific, meet every 2 years at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), to explore how they can pool their resources and innovations to transform joint challenges into exciting opportunities. CHOGM is a pivotal agenda-setting and decision-making space for the diverse community of 54 Commonwealth countries. Due to the global Covid-19 pandemic, CHOGM 2020 was postponed twice. Under the overarching theme ‘Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming.' It has be rescheduled for the week of 20 June 2022. Commonwealth leaders will travel to Rwanda to reaffirm their common values and agree actions and policies to improve the lives of all their citizens Ahead of CHOGM, youth and gender activists, representatives from civil society and business leaders will convene special forums to ensure their key concerns and perspectives are considered in leader’s decision-making." https://www.chogm2022.rw/about/

Commonwealth Business Forum 2022 – Kigali, Rwanda His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, and Commonwealth Secretary-General, The Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland, have announced the week of 20 June 2022 as the new date agreed with member countries for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). https://www.cweic.org/cbf/rwanda-2022/

Message from BSI: Dear CSN Members, BSI is delighted to be part of the UNCTAD eCommerce Week, 25-29 April, focusing on ‘Data and Digitalization for Development’ to help shape a better digital future for all. We would like to cordially invite you to a virtual panel session on 26 April, 5-6 pm CEST where along with our partners UNCTAD, the African Development Bank and the UK Government, where we will be discussing: ️ the challenges of digital transformation in developing countries ️ the role of international standards and National Standards Bodies in accelerating digital transformation and facilitating digital trade how a standards-based digital toolkit can help manage national risks around cybersecurity, privacy, interoperability and digital ID – a key recommendation from our whitepaper. Register here: https://unctad.org/eweek2022

Learn more about world standards day in this message from IEC, ISO and ITU: https://www.iso.org/world-standards-day.html

Subject: Invitation and draft agenda for Commonwealth Standards Network Annual Meeting (2021) Dear Commonwealth Standards Network stakeholder, I write to invite you to attend the Commonwealth Standards Network (CSN) annual meeting that will take place online from 14.00-15.00 on Wednesday 15th September 2021. The meeting will be an important opportunity for participants to be updated on CSN progress and to help steer the work programme. Draft Agenda: 1. CSN Updates 2. CSN Terms of Reference & Chair 3. 'Collaborative Working' presentation and discussion led by the Institute for Collaborative Working 4. Next steps for the CSN work programme 5. AOB. Join Zoom Meeting: · Time: 14:00-15:00 (London) · Date: Wednesday 15th September 2021 · Link: https://zoom.us/j/96425678422?pwd=UnhUdEpyZW1CT2tmN0puUStaUTJOdz09 · Meeting ID: 964 2567 8422 · Passcode: CSN2021 Note: The session will be recorded, and individual/regional calls will be set up for countries where the timing of the main meeting is not practical. Yours faithfully, Ben Hedley Senior Programme Manager, Commonwealth Standards Network T: +44 20 8996 7122 ben.hedley@bsigroup.com

CSN session: UNECE Gender Responsive Standards Initiative 30th March 2021 13:00-14:00 GMT/UTC (note: this is 14:00-15:00 UK time) 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 CSN_UNECE Gender Responsive Standards Initiative_Session_30-03-2021 (v2).pdf

CSN PSQCA Standards and Policy remote training.