Every year on October 14th, the world celebrates World Standards Day, a date that recalls 1946 when more than 25 countries met in London to create an organization that would bring coherence and trust to a fragmented post-war world. Out of that vision the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) was born, and today it has become a global network of more than 170 national members.
As someone who has had the honor of leading Ecuador’s National Standards Body (NSB), I have seen firsthand how standards drive progress, open markets, and strengthen institutions, but I have also witnessed the darker side, when the misuse or manipulation of the quality infrastructure can put at risk not only international trade but also the long-term development of a country.
A standard is a consensus-based document that establishes common requirements, processes, or criteria. Though simple on paper, it shapes almost everything: from the thread of a screw, to the quality of the air we breathe, to the reliability of digital systems. Standards are an invisible infrastructure that creates trust, enables international trade, and when aligned with public policy and regulation, becomes a lever to protect citizens, foster innovation, and ensure fair competition.
At the heart of ISO and every NSB are the Technical Committees (TCs), where experts from many countries and disciplines debate, negotiate, and build consensus. This process would not exist without the thousands of volunteers worldwide who dedicate their time, knowledge, and expertise. Their work is more than technical; it is a contribution of vision and service to the global community.
On this day we must also acknowledge the elders of standardization, professionals who have devoted decades to building quality infrastructure. Their role now is not only to share expertise but to engage and inspire the next generation, because without new voices and perspectives the committees age and lose relevance. Generational diversity is essential to keep standards dynamic, inclusive, and future-ready.
From my experience, the progress of a nation is closely tied to the leadership of its National Standards Body, and when a country entrusts its NSB to capable, visionary, and ethical professionals, it gains access to global markets, strengthens its industries, and attracts investment. The decision of who leads an NSB is not simply technical but strategic, with consequences for the future prosperity of a country.
World Standards Day is not only about technical agreements; it is a reminder that standards build bridges across nations, industries, and generations. We must honor those who came before us, support those working today, and open doors for those who will continue the journey, while staying vigilant that the misuse of standards can erode trust and undermine progress. Only with integrity and vision can we achieve a world that is truly easier, safer, and better.
César Díaz
No hay comentarios:
Publicar un comentario