Next month, on October 14th, we celebrate World Standards Day. This day allows us the opportunity to reflect on the vital role standards plays in our communities as well as recognising the work of our members, contributors, stakeholders and staff.
This World Standards Day, I’d like to take a moment to express my appreciation of the dedication everyone has shown to our shared vision of delivering trusted solutions that improve life and empower communities. Especially during such a challenging time, with many of our contributors in extended lockdown.
Despite lockdown and borders being closed, we were able to virtually attend ISO Week 2021 in September. The General Assembly provided many insightful discussions on how we can utilise international standards to create a better world for us and future generations. I know I left this event with a drive to continue collaborating internationally to deliver our best work locally and globally.
It is worth noting, also, that in order to pave the way for the new normal, IEC and ISO have jointly prepared a new guide on how to plan and run meetings to ensure the highest level of participation (taking into account the different time zones), build the best consensus and speed up progress for the standardization projects. Over the coming weeks our team will be providing our international experts with opportunities to learn more about this
guidance document and promote its broad uptake.
While on the topic of international standards and ISO, I was very pleased to be elected to the Council of the International Organization for Standardization for a three-year term with the strong support of ISO members.
As a founding member of ISO, Standards Australia has a strong record of leadership and engagement in the organisation’s technical, policy and governance work. As a member of the ISO Council, I will work on behalf of Australia and in collaboration with others to strengthen ISO’s role and effectiveness as the preeminent global standards body.
I’m grateful for the excellent work of a very dedicated Standards Australia team, the support of the Commonwealth government and most particularly the strong vote of support and confidence from ISO members.
I’m looking forward to contributing to the implementation of ISO’s Strategic Plan over the next three years and representing the views and insights that Australia brings to this important global body.
I look forward to the work we’ll continue to deliver.
— Adrian O'Connell, Chief Executive