World Standards Day 2024: Theme, Significance, and Celebrations

October 14th every year is World Standards Day. Commemorates individuals and organizations involved in the development and implementation of international standards. The move aims to highlight the role that standardization plays in improving international trade and security, as well as quality of life.

background

The date it commemorates is the first conference held in 1946, when representatives from 25 countries came together in London to establish an international organization focused on standardization work. Although the International Organization for Standardization was founded the following year, it was not until 1970 that the first World Standards Day was celebrated.

purpose and significance

World Standards Day aims to educate the public about the critical role of standards in international markets. That is: safety, reliability, and quality in products and services in nearly every industry, from healthcare to technology26. The 2024 theme focuses on a shared vision for a better world, addressing health and well-being through effective standards.

global celebration

National standards bodies and intergovernmental organizations around the world celebrate this International Day in a variety of ways. These include:

The Standards Council of Canada marks the day with events that, as it puts it, “draw attention to values.”

In the United States, World Standards Day is celebrated on a different date this year (November 14, 2024), but it occurs annually to coincide with the same day of global celebrations to promote recognition of contributions to standardization.

theme

World Standards Day has a theme each year based on broader goals such as the Sustainable Development Goals. By 2024, promoting health equity through standards that support digital transformation and address the challenges of climate change will be a top priority.

Although the concept of recognizing the day began in 1946, the first official celebration of World Standards Day was in 1970, initiated by Faruk Sunter, then President of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The day aims to raise awareness of the importance of standardization in facilitating trade, ensuring safety and improving quality across industries.

The importance of World Standards Day lies in its role in promoting global cooperation and promoting harmonization of measurement and technology, which is vital in today’s interconnected world. The celebration encourages stakeholders to recognize the contribution of standards to economic growth and social well-being.

World Standards Day highlights the important role of standardization in promoting global cooperation and ensuring quality, safety and reliability across industries. In 2024, the focus on advancing health equity through standards highlights how harmonized guidance continues to address pressing global challenges and promote a better, more equitable world.