Standards level the playing field

We are living in a world that is undergoing profound transformations at all levels. Economies have never been more interdependent. Today, products that are consumed in one market are no longer “made in one country”; they are “made in the world”. Before they get to the end-consumer, they transit through many countries where manpower or parts add value to the final product.

Small and medium enterprises that use international standards will find it easier to get their products certified and are better able to compete and sell anywhere in the world. With international standards SMEs are able to take part in global value chains and benefit from technology transfer.

Countries that have mainstreamed international standards in their policies and regulations are able to better protect their populations and give them a bigger choice of quality products.
In a multi-polar world, where the influence and economic weight of emerging economies is shifting the balance of power, international standards stimulate trade, overcome artificial trade barriers and help level the playing field. This makes companies, industries and economies more competitive, making it easier for them to export, and stimulates diversification nationally and internationally.

• Dr. Junji Nomura – IEC President
• Terry Hill – ISO President
• Dr. Hamadoun I.TOURÉ – ITU Secretary-General

We have a winner!

Damar Panji Wijaya (Indonesia) received the majority of the votes in this yearís World Standards Day poster competition, on the theme: “Standards level the playing field”.

20-year-old Damar who is studying Communications at Universitas Gadjah Mada in Yogyakarta, Indonesia explained the inspiration behind his design: “My idea for the design came from the insight that today more than ever both consumers and manufacturers demand equal advantages and opportunities when it comes to the products they buy and produce and international standards are significant instruments in making this possible. I was looking for an image that would encompass both the “equal opportunities” and “playing” elements, and I came up with an equally-numbered dice. I also tried to maintain simplicity in my design, so it would be easier for people to focus on the message.”

Damar wins CHF 1 500 courtesy of IEC, ISO and ITU, the three international standards developing organizations comprising the WSC (World Standards Cooperation). His design will be used worldwide to celebrate World Standards Day on 14 October 2014.

The three runners up, who receive an award of CHF 500 each are: Khyati Trehan (India), Muaiad Fraha (UK) and Daira Hernandez & Diana Asprilla (Colombia).

Winner

Runner ups