ISO 9001 - Certification Not the Goal, but a Culture

ISO 9001 - Certification Not the Goal, but a Culture

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Symbolic image courtesy NightCafe

Ashok Pradhan (fictitious name), Managing Director of ABC Company (fictitious name), had been feeling quite uneasy for the past few days. Finally, he called a meeting of the company's top officials, plant managers, and unit in-charges, where he began his speech bluntly, stating, "We failed in implementing ISO 9001 — not because the standard was flawed, nor because we failed to read it, but because we implemented it mechanically, as a formality.” The Managing Director's statement was shocking to all participants. A hush fell over the meeting, and everyone began to reflect. Ashok Pradhan had laid bare the harsh reality of the organization before his team without any hesitation. He continued, "We hired a reputable consultant. The procedures were carefully written. The documents were attractive, the language was impressive, and the structure was organized. Our management system looked excellent on paper, and based on that, we achieved ISO 9001 certification. We were delighted that we were an ISO 9001 certified organization. But we forgot a fundamental question: were our organization's established procedures actually being followed? We didn't even try to find out what the real shortcomings were in our system. We prioritized preparing for the audit over self-assessment. Gradually, our energy shifted from "system improvement" to "passing the audit." 

When top leadership openly acknowledges failure, it is not weakness — it is the beginning of transformation. Ashok Pradhan was holding a mirror up to his organization, and everyone listened quietly. He continued, "As a result, our ISO 9001 management system became a "symbolic display" instead of a vibrant management tool—a decorative compliance for auditors, a showpiece for customers, a window dressing for the certification body. And somehow, through this window dressing, we got certification. But did the certification stabilize and streamline our organization's operations? Did operational problems stop? Were customers satisfied? The truth is that our organization's operations remain in a precarious state. Problems are recurring. Leadership in most units is still embroiled in daily crises. Customers experience inconsistency."

What Ashok Pradhan said to his colleagues revealed the pain of "showpiece compliance" versus "actual implementation" of ISO 9001, a reality facing many organizations today. Ashok Pradhan has correctly captured the core problem—the system at ABC Company was created, but not lived up to.

If we analyze the reality, we face some fundamental questions. First, is the organization's ISO 9001 management system protecting the organization's business? If the system isn't getting to the root of problems, identifying risks, if corrective actions aren't effective, and if leadership isn't making data-driven decisions, then it isn't protecting the business—it's merely fulfilling a formality. Second, has ISO 9001 become merely a certification tool? When audit preparation becomes the organization's priority, documentation becomes divorced from actual practice, and employees perceive processes as an "extra burden," then the system becomes a "certificate-obtaining tool," not a "management tool." We need to consider what the real expectations are. What, after all, is the purpose of ISO 9001? ISO 9001 is not a documentation system, but a management methodology. This is more a standard of 'how to live' than 'what to write'. 

How can we improve this situation? Some solutions are available. First, leadership must actively participate. ISO 9001 isn't just the responsibility of the quality department or a single individual. Everyone, including top leadership, must "live" the system. Second, the organization's processes must be followed and their performance must be measured. Written procedures are only meaningful if they are followed, performance is measured, and corrective action is taken upon deviations. Third, the organization must adopt a risk-based approach. Instead of waiting for problems to occur—work to identify and prevent risks early. Fourth, the organization must change the purpose of internal audits. It must understand that the objective of audits should not be "catch" problems but "find opportunities for improvement." Fifth, the PDCA cycle must be brought to life within the organization. Plan–Do–Check–Act should not be merely written on the wall, but should become part of daily operations. In conclusion, we can say that ISO 9001 is never a destination. It is not a destination to achieve certification, but a continuous journey towards operational excellence.

Certification is an outcome. An organization's strong management system is the cause. If the organization focuses on the cause, the result will follow. However, if the organization focuses only on the result (certificates), the system will become a mere window dressing. As a final thought, we can say that a quality system is vibrant when leadership is committed, employees are engaged, processes are implemented, and improvement is continuous. Otherwise, ISO 9001 becomes just a certificate hanging on the wall. Obtaining ISO 9001 certification should not be the organization's goal, but rather, improving organizational culture. Designing an ISO 9001 system is easy; embedding it into organizational culture is the real challenge. Quality comes from behavior, not from certification. 

ISO 9001 is not merely a standard of compliance — it is a standard of effectiveness. It is not enough to demonstrate that a process exists in documentation; it must function in practice and deliver measurable, meaningful results. Certification is evidence — but performance is proof. 

Regards,

Keshav Ram Singhal 

Standard Development Timeline for ISO 9001:2026

Standard Development Timeline for ISO 9001:2026

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The revision of ISO 9001 is progressing under the responsibility of ISO/TC 176/SC 2. The tentative development timeline is as follows:

Timeline

* Summer 2023 – Decision to revise the standard taken; ISO/TC 176/SC 2 confirmed the need for revision.

* Late 2023 – Early 2024 – Expert meetings held to gather global inputs and stakeholder feedback.

* Around April 2024 – Committee Draft 1 (CD1) issued for member body review.

* November–December 2024 – Committee Draft 2 (CD2) developed based on received comments.

* August/September 2025 – Draft International Standard (DIS) published for public comment and ballot.

* Around November 2025 – Comments received; voting period closed.

* Mid 2026 – Final Draft International Standard (FDIS) expected.

* September 2026 – Target publication of the revised QMS standard.

Post-Publication Transition

Following publication, certified organizations are expected to have a standard three-year transition period (approximately until September 2029).

* During this transition window, certifications to ISO 9001:2015 will remain valid.

* After the transition deadline, all audits and certifications must align with the 2026 version of the standard.

Important Note

ISO development timelines may shift slightly depending on ballot results, resolution of comments, or the need for additional revisions.

For the most authoritative and up-to-date information, it is advisable to consult the official committee site of ISO/TC 176/SC 2.

Regards,

KRS

History of ISO 9001 Standard

 

History of ISO 9001 Standard

The history of the ISO 9001 standard traces its origins back to the 1950s, when government departments in the United States and the United Kingdom began establishing quality standards for military procurement. These early quality assurance systems laid the foundation for modern quality management standards.

In 1979, the British Standards Institution (BSI) published BS 5750, the first formal quality system standard applicable to industry. BS 5750 became highly successful and served as the basis for the development of international quality management standards.

Building on this success, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) published the first ISO 9001, along with ISO 9002 and ISO 9003, in 1987. These standards were revised in 1994 to enhance clarity and consistency.

A major revision occurred in 2000 with the publication of ISO 9001:2000 on 15 December 2000. This edition introduced the process approach and emphasized continual improvement and customer satisfaction, marking a significant shift from the earlier element-based structure.

The fourth edition, ISO 9001:2008, was published on 15 November 2008. This version provided clarifications and improved compatibility with ISO 14001 but did not introduce major new requirements.

The fifth edition, ISO 9001:2015, was published on 15 September 2015. It introduced the High-Level Structure (Annex SL), risk-based thinking, greater leadership involvement, and alignment with modern business practices.

At present, the standard is under revision, and the next edition, ISO 9001:2026, is expected to be published in September 2026.

Regards,
KRS

The Role of Top Management in Quality

 The Role of Top Management in Quality 

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Quality isn’t just a matter of documentation—it starts with leadership vision and commitment. Eleven Tasks Top Management should pay special attention to -

1. Establish a Clear Quality Policy and Objectives

The organization’s direction must be clear. The quality policy should be practical, measurable, and aligned with business goals.

2. Leadership by Example

A quality culture is developed through behavior, not merely by issuing instructions. As W. Edwards Deming stated, “A bad system will beat a good person every time.”

Top management must demonstrate genuine and practical commitment to quality. By setting the right example, they build a robust system that motivates every employee to implement it effectively.

For instance, in many organizations, top management is not included in internal audits. True leadership means instructing the internal audit team to audit top management as well and identify areas for improvement. When leaders themselves are open to evaluation and correction, it strengthens the entire quality management system.

3. Prioritize the Voice of the Customer

Customer satisfaction, complaint analysis, and feedback should be integrated into strategic decision-making.

4. Adopt Risk-Based Thinking

Identify potential risks and opportunities, and take timely preventive and corrective actions.

5. Develop Competent and Trained Human Resources

Empower employees through regular training, skill development, and awareness programs.

6. Standardization and Continuous Improvement of Processes

Promote a culture of continual improvement by ensuring effective implementation of the PDCA (Plan–Do–Check–Act) cycle.

ISO 9001:2015 standard, published by the International Organization for Standardization, also places strong emphasis on continual improvement.

7. Provide Adequate Resources

Ensure the availability of appropriate and adequate human resources, infrastructure, modern technology, and accurate measuring instruments. Leadership approval and active involvement are especially critical in this area.

8. Data-Driven Decision Making

Decisions should be based on facts, analysis, and reliable data—not merely on intuition or assumptions.

9. Develop an Effective Internal Communication System

Quality objectives, procedural changes, achievements, and challenges should be clearly communicated at all levels of the organization.

10. Conduct Regular Management Reviews

Hold structured management review meetings to comprehensively evaluate quality objectives, key performance indicators (KPIs), audit results, and corrective actions.

11. Promote a Quality Culture

Foster a culture of learning and improvement rather than blame. Encourage employees to contribute ideas, innovate, and take ownership of their responsibilities.

Summary

When top management is aware, committed, and proactive, the entire organization becomes quality-conscious. Quality is not the sole responsibility of any single department—it is the direct outcome of leadership commitment. 

Regards,

Keshav Ram Singhal 

Top Management Mindset and Approach Towards Quality

 Top Management Mindset and Approach Towards Quality

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One day, I got an opportunity to visit two companies and meet their top management teams.

When I reached the first company, I was informed that the organization was ISO 9001:2015 certified. In the chamber of a senior executive, I also noticed the ISO certification certificate displayed on the wall. I visited their manufacturing units and observed that supervisors were closely monitoring the operators. Inspectors were checking the finished goods. Whenever any defect was found, the nonconforming product was immediately segregated. The operators were warned, and pressure was applied on them to work more carefully. The production targets were clearly displayed on the walls. Production was taking place, but I felt an atmosphere of silence, tension, and pressure on the shop floor.

After that, I visited the second company. The top management informed me that they had not yet obtained any certification for compliance with ISO standards. However, they were planning to implement ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015, and for this purpose, they had already sent some employees for training. During my visit to their manufacturing units, I noticed that the processes were clearly defined. Work instructions were displayed on the walls. Problems were openly discussed, and operators were encouraged to provide suggestions on how the processes could be improved further. The focus was on ensuring that processes function properly, and if any issue occurred, it was identified and corrected. When I asked about nonconforming products, I was told that due to continual monitoring and improvement of processes, the number of nonconforming products was very low. And whenever any nonconforming product was produced, the operators and the team discussed the root cause and identified what process improvement was required. The environment in this company appeared calm, positive, and cooperative. I did not feel any stress or fear.

In my opinion, the first company appeared more stressful and defensive, whereas the second company seemed stable, improvement-oriented, and confident. I believe the real difference between the two companies lies in the mindset of their top management and their approach towards quality. While the first company appeared to treat certification as a target, the second company was building Continual Improvement as a strong Quality Culture.

Experience-based learning - Certification may be important, but building a quality culture and focusing on continual improvement is far more important.

Regards,

Keshav Ram Singhal

Appreciative Inquiry as a Supportive Tool in Quality Management — A Balanced Approach Integrating Risk-based Thinking

 Appreciative Inquiry as a Supportive Tool in Quality Management

— A Balanced Approach Integrating Risk-based Thinking

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Symbolic Image Courtesy NightCafe

In recent days, while reading the Kindle book “Business for Good in Action – Celebrating AIM2Flourish Stories Through Appreciative Inquiry” by Dr. Divya Singhal and Crystal Ferro, a thought emerged in my mind: How can Appreciative Inquiry be effectively applied in Quality Management?

 

Through this exploration, I understood that Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is a positive and participative approach widely used by organizations for organizational development, change management, team building, and individual growth of people. Instead of focusing on problems and deficiencies, it emphasizes successes, strengths, and future possibilities.

The concept of Appreciative Inquiry was developed in the 1980s by Dr. David L. Cooperrider, associated with Case Western Reserve University (USA), and originated from his PhD dissertation.

 

Core Philosophy of Appreciative Inquiry

 

The fundamental idea of Appreciative Inquiry is:“Rather than fixing what is wrong, build on what works well.” In brief, Appreciative Inquiry is based on five core principles:

 

1.     Positivity Principle – Positive questions generate positive energy and constructive solutions.

2.     Constructivist Principle – Our conversations and language shape our organizational reality.

3.     Simultaneity Principle – The moment we ask a question, change begins.

4.     Poetic Principle – Organizations are like open books; whichever chapters we focus on, grow stronger.

5.     Anticipatory Principle – A positive image of the future guides present actions.

 

Benefits of Appreciative Inquiry in Organizations

 

When Appreciative Inquiry is practiced in organizations, it delivers several benefits:

 

·       Increased employee involvement and motivation

·       Encouragement of innovation and creativity

·       Development of a positive organizational culture

·       Reduced resistance to change

·       Stronger leadership and teamwork

 

Traditionally, organizations ask questions such as:“What is wrong with our process?” In contrast, Appreciative Inquiry asks:“When did our process work at its best, and why?”

Thus, Appreciative Inquiry represents a mindset that is strength-based rather than deficiency-based, making it highly effective for quality, lean, innovation, leadership, and continual improvement initiatives.

 

Appreciative Inquiry and Quality Management: A Critical Reflection

 

Although Appreciative Inquiry is a powerful approach for continual improvement, a legitimate concern arises: Can it lead to ignoring deficiencies and weaknesses, making it unsuitable for Quality Management? The reality is that Appreciative Inquiry becomes effective in Quality Management only when used correctly. Misuse of this approach—not the approach itself—creates risk.

 

How Appreciative Inquiry Supports Quality Management

 

1. Building a Positive Quality Culture

 

Quality does not emerge from processes alone; it emerges from people’s mindset. Appreciative Inquiry shifts organizations from a blame-oriented culture to a learning and improvement-oriented culture. This fosters fear-free reporting, stronger suggestion systems, and greater employee participation.

 

2. Identifying and Expanding Best Practices

 

Traditional internal audits focus primarily on identifying nonconformities. Appreciative Inquiry complements this by asking: Where did the process deliver excellent results, and why?  This helps organizations identify repeatable best practices, strengthening standardization and benchmarking in Quality Management.

 

3. Energizing Continual Improvement

 

Continual improvement is a core requirement of ISO 9001. Appreciative Inquiry reframes improvement from a corrective burden into a growth opportunity, encouraging employees to participate voluntarily and enthusiastically in improvement initiatives.

 

4. Enhancing Leadership and Team Engagement

 

Appreciative Inquiry views employees not as problem sources but as solution partners. This strengthens ownership, collaboration, and enables cross-functional quality improvement across the organization.

 

5. Supporting Change Management

 

In new quality initiatives, Appreciative Inquiry helps reduce resistance by presenting change as a continuation of past successes, rather than a response to failure.

 

Addressing the Risks of Appreciative Inquiry

 

A common concern is that Appreciative Inquiry may overlook weaknesses. This risk arises only when the approach is misunderstood. Potential risks of improper use include:

·       Critical nonconformities being overlooked

·       Weak root cause analysis

·       Gaps in regulatory and customer requirement compliance

 

Therefore, using Appreciative Inquiry in isolation can be risky.

 

The Solution: Appreciative Inquiry + Risk-based Thinking

 

The answer lies in developing a Balanced Quality Improvement Model by integrating Appreciative Inquiry with Risk-based Thinking, which is a core requirement of ISO 9001:2015 QMS standard.

 

This integration allows organizations to use positive framing along with gap analysis.
For example, instead of asking only “What went wrong?”, we also ask: “When did this process operate without defects, and why?” From these insights, gaps and risks can be identified more constructively.

 

Integrating Appreciative Inquiry with the PDCA Cycle

 

Appreciative Inquiry can be effectively embedded into the PDCA (Plan–Do–Check–Act) cycle:

·       Plan – Identify strengths, successful experiences, and opportunities

·       Do – Execute processes with motivation and engagement

·       Check – Review data, conduct audits, and identify nonconformities

·       Act – Apply AI-based improvement and standardization

 

Importantly, Appreciative Inquiry does not imply avoiding nonconformities. Instead, audit findings are treated as learning opportunities, and blame-free root cause analysis is encouraged.

 

The Right Place of Appreciative Inquiry in Quality Management

 

Appreciative Inquiry is highly effective in:

 

·       Culture building

·       Employee engagement

·       Best practice sharing

·       Innovation and continual improvement

 

However, its role is limited in areas such as:

 

·       Regulatory compliance

·       Safety-critical processes

·       Legal and statutory gap management

·       Handling serious nonconformities

 

Conclusion

 

Appreciative Inquiry is a powerful enabler in Quality Management, but it is not a substitute for defect identification. The right approach is to identify problems to correct them, and to identify strengths to make improvements sustainable. When integrated with risk-based thinking and the PDCA cycle, Appreciative Inquiry helps organizations evolve into true learning organizations, capable of sustained excellence.

 

Best wishes,

Keshav Ram Singhal

 

 

Risks in the Quality Management System

Risks in the Quality Management System

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An organization implements a quality management system (QMS) to demonstrate its ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and applicable legal requirements, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction. The ISO 9001:2015 QMS standard specifies the requirements for a quality management system. This standard introduced risk-based thinking to strengthen the understanding and application of the process approach. The organization needs to determine potential risks so that they can be suitably addressed in a timely and systematic manner.

 

In this write-up, a few risks in a quality management system that an organization may encounter are mentioned with examples and proposed action to address the risk issue.

 

1. Failure to achieve quality objectives – Example may include actual product rejection rate exceeds the target limit or customer satisfaction index falls below the planned level. Proposed action may include reviewing objectives for realism and alignment with organizational strategy, applying root cause analysis (RCA) and implementing corrective actions.

 

2. Slowdown in organization’s performance – Examples may include decline in on-time delivery or productivity ratios, or increased internal rework or waste. Proposed action in this case may be to conduct management reviews more frequently, monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and initiate improvement projects, so that organization’s performance may increase.

 

3. Changes in the QMS not recognized timely – Examples may include revision of legal or ISO requirements overlooked, process updates delayed due to lack of communication. Proposed action may include establishing a structured change management system and regularly reviewing applicable standards and statutory updates.

 

4. Undesirable or unplanned changes in QMS – Examples may include staff making uncontrolled document edits or process steps modified without approval. Proposed action in this case may include applying document and configuration control procedures and training staff on authorized change protocols.

 

5. QMS inadequate to meet customer needs – Examples may include customer complaints increase due to unmet delivery expectations or product does not meet emerging technological requirements. Proposed action may include periodically assess customer feedback and satisfaction surveys and update processes and specifications in line with customer requirements.

 

6. Decisions not implemented effectively – Examples may include management review actions left pending or audit findings not closed in due time. Proposed action may include assigning responsibility, timeline, follow-up mechanism and conducting periodic progress reviews.

 

7. Untapped opportunities – Examples may include neglecting automation opportunities or ignoring potential new markets or quality improvement methods. Proposed action may include opportunity assessment in risk management, encouraging employee suggestions and innovation.

 

8. Inadequate team formation or lack of competence – Examples may include internal audit team lacks trained members or quality improvement team missing cross-functional expertise. Proposed actions may include conducting skills assessment, provide necessary training and build balanced teams with experience and fresh perspectives.

 

9. Conflicting needs and expectations of interested parties – Examples may include supplier demands longer payment terms, while finance institution wants shorter; customer requires faster delivery, while production capacity is limited. Proposed action may include prioritizing actions based on risk impact and organizational goals, communicate and negotiate realistic expectations.

 

10. Breakdown of processes – Examples may include supplier delivery failure halts production or internal process fails due to missing inputs. Proposed actions may include identifying process interlinks through flowcharts and FMEA, and develop contingency and backup plans.

 

11. Breakdown or malfunction of equipment – Examples may include machine downtime affects production schedule or measuring equipment out of calibration. Proposed actions may include following preventive maintenance and calibration schedule strictly and maintaining critical spares inventory and calibration register.

 

12. Delay or neglect in maintenance – Examples may include maintenance postponed due to workload pressure or maintenance logs incomplete. Proposed action may include linking maintenance schedule with production planning and automate maintenance reminders.

 

13. Failure to meet product requirements due to poor equipment condition – Examples may include dimensional deviation due to worn-out tools or contamination in process due to unclean equipment. Proposed action may include periodic equipment inspection and replacement plan, implementing 5S practices and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM).

 

14. Rising material or energy costs – Examples may include increased energy tariffs raise product cost or raw material wastage due to inefficient handling. Proposed action may include implement energy management practices, as par ISO 50001 Energy Management System (EnMS), optimize procurement and storage processes.

 

15. Depreciation of equipment – Examples may include old equipment consumes more energy and time, or obsolete machinery leads to poor product consistency. Proposed action may include evaluating cost-benefit for modernization and preparing equipment replacement plan.

 

16. Lack of awareness among employees – Examples may include employees unaware of quality policy, objectives or misunderstanding of work instructions. Proposed action may include conducting awareness sessions for the employees and display QMS policy and objectives visibly at workplaces.

 

17. Ineffective internal audits – Examples may include internal audit not covering all processes or internal audit findings not fact-based. Proposed action may include training internal auditors, ensuring independent and objective audit planning.

 

18. Poor document and record control – Examples may include using outdated work instructions or missing calibration records. Proposed action may include implementing electronic document control system and reviewing record retention schedule periodically.

 

19. Insufficient management commitment – Examples may include top management not reviewing QMS performance or lack of resources for improvement initiatives. Proposed action may include reinforcing leadership involvement through periodic reviews and aligning quality objectives with business objectives.

 

20. Supplier-related risks – Examples may include supplier fails to deliver materials on time or poor quality of incoming components. Proposed action may include evaluating and approving suppliers based on performance and developing supplier partnership programs.

 

21. Non-compliance with statutory or regulatory requirements – Examples may include missing safety certification for a product or ignoring environmental norms. Proposed action may include maintaining a compliance register and assigning responsibility for legal monitoring.

 

22. Data integrity and cybersecurity risk – Examples may include loss of records due to system crash or unauthorized access to QMS documents. Proposed action may include regular data backups, implementing cybersecurity protocols, access control and strengthening record control.

 

23. Ineffective communication – Examples may include miscommunication between design and production or customer complaint not escalated timely. Proposed action may include defining clear communication channels and regular meetings for updates.

 

24. Inadequate corrective and preventive action (CAPA) – Examples may include repeated nonconformities due to poor root cause analysis or actions not verified for effectiveness. Proposed action may include to train staff on root cause analysis tools (5 Whys, Fishbone Diagram) and monitor CAPA effectiveness during management review.

 

25. Organizational culture resistant to change – Examples may include employees reluctant to adopt new procedures or improvement ideas not accepted by them. Proposed action may include promoting quality culture through recognition and participation and engaging employees in decision-making and improvement activities.

 
Determining and addressing risks in the quality management system is vital for maintaining consistency, enhancing customer satisfaction, and achieving continual improvement. A proactive approach — integrating risk assessment into daily operations — enables an organization to transform risks into opportunities for growth and excellence.

 

The above points highlight key risks that organizations may face while implementing or maintaining a quality management system (QMS). Awareness and timely action can prevent potential failures and foster a culture of quality improvement across all levels.

 

Best wishes,

Keshav Ram Singhal

Celebrating World Standards Day 2025

Celebrating World Standards Day 2025

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Celebrating World Standards Day is an opportunity to engage with the global standards community and raise awareness. Here's how individuals, organizations, and professionals can participate:

 

- Host or Join Events - Organize or attend seminars, workshops, conferences, exhibitions, or webinars on topics like AI standards, sustainability, or public health. For example, the U.S. Celebration on October 23, 2025, in Rockville, MD, features discussions on "Standards for Public Health and Safety" with networking opportunities. In India, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is organizing various awareness programmes in various cities in October 2025.

 

- Share Online - Use social media to post about the theme with hashtags like #WorldStandardsDay, #SharedVisionForABetterWorld, or #SDG17. Download and share the official campaign poster, or create custom graphics highlighting local standards impacts.

 

- Participate in Contests - Enter the World Standards Cooperation Paper Competition or similar challenges to showcase innovative uses of standards.

 

- Educate and Advocate - Conduct internal training sessions on ISO/IEC/ITU standards, or collaborate with partners on SDG-aligned projects. Reach out to your national standards body (e.g., ANSI in the U.S.) for toolkits and resources.

 

By getting involved, you can contribute to a collaborative movement that makes the world safer and more sustainable. For more resources, visit website specially developed for the World Standards Day. worldstandardsday.org.

 

World Standards Day is observed annually on October 14 to honour the collaborative work of global experts in developing international standards that enhance safety, quality, innovation, and sustainable development. In 2025, the day falls on a Wednesday and carries forward a multi-year focus on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a spotlight on SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

 

As an individual effort, I have initiated a “World Standards Day 2025 Learning Quiz – Join the Fun!” on Facebook. For details CLICK HERE.  

 

Best wishes,

Keshav Ram Singhal

World Standards Day 2025

World Standards Day 2025

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Courtesy Image - worldstandardsday.org 

World Standards Day is observed annually on October 14 to honour the collaborative work of global experts in developing international standards that enhance safety, quality, innovation, and sustainable development. In 2025, the day falls on Wednesday and carries forward a multi-year focus on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a spotlight on SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

 

Importance of World Standards Day

 

World Standards Day underscores the critical role of international standardization in addressing global challenges. It pays tribute to the thousands of volunteers from organizations like the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and International Telecommunication Union (ITU) who create voluntary technical agreements that underpin everything from public health safeguards to technological interoperability. These standards foster trust, enable trade, drive innovation, and support resilient societies—impacting daily life from safe drinking water and secure buildings to reliable transportation systems. In an increasingly complex world, they promote equitable progress, particularly toward the SDGs, by facilitating multi-stakeholder partnerships across industries, governments, and civil society. The 2025 theme, "Shared vision for a better world: Spotlight on SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals," highlights how standards act as a shared framework for collaboration, accelerating solutions to sustainability issues like climate change and inequality.

 

Message from ISO, IEC, and ITU

 

Every year a joint message is issued by IEC President, ISO President and ITU Secretary General. The joint message for 2025, issued by IEC President Jo Cops, ISO President Sung Hwan Cho, and ITU Telecommunication Standardization Bureau Director Seizo Onoe (on behalf of ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin), calls for renewed commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through standardization. The message states -

 

"The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which project to address social imbalances, develop a sustainable economy, and slow the rate of climate change, are highly ambitious. To reach them will require the cooperation of many public and private partners, and the use of all available tools, including international standards and conformity assessment. 

 

The intense battle against a persistent global pandemic revealed the absolute necessity of addressing the SDGs in an inclusive way, to strengthen our societies, making them more resilient and more equitable. Today, we are asking you to join us on a mission that affirms the importance of the SDGs to build back better. In this pursuit, standards are more relevant than ever. 

 

The entire standards system is built on collaboration. It is testament to the power of cooperation and the belief that we are stronger than the sum of our parts. By working together, we are empowering people with real-world solutions to face sustainability challenges head-on. 

 

We stand united to work together to accelerate the 2030 Agenda, with standards for the SDGs, and our ‘Shared vision for a better world’."

 

This message emphasizes unity and the pivotal role of standards in building resilient, inclusive futures.

 

Regards,

Keshav Ram Singhal