Significance of World Standards Day

Throughout the world, standards play a critical role in the socio-economic development of humankind for which reason life continues to see great improvements in all aspects of life. It is standards that make it possible for durable products to be produced and also ensure that goods produced are satisfactory and of high quality.

In the area of agriculture for example, relevant applicable standards make it possible for the most appropriate soils to be identified for use for crops to ensure high productivity. In the industrial sector also, standards make it possible for durable and satisfactory products to be produced or manufactured to satisfy the tastes of consumers.

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

In the same way, when it comes to the building and construction industry, the materials used are carefully selected in line with appropriate standards so that the buildings that are put up can withstand all kinds of pressures including earthquakes.

In commerce and trade, the taste of consumers come into play so standards help to produce only quality products to meet the taste of consumers thus the application of relevant standards is needed in all aspects of human life.

GUARANTEE SAFETY

Standards are applied to guarantee public health, public safety and the protection of the environment. They help to guarantee the health of people in all parts of the world as well as the safety of mankind for example vehicles and aircraft are able to perform their functions efficiently when standards are applied.

In the same way, the environment in which we live is adequately protected because of application of standards. Without the application of standards, there would be chaos, disorderliness and underdevelopment which would make it difficult for mankind to live satisfactorily in the world.

SIGNIFICANCE

It is in view of the significance of applicable standards that World Standards Day is celebrated on October 14 every year. The importance of the occasion lies in the fact that it makes it possible for experts of standards to be honoured throughout the world.

These experts contribute to standards development through the contributions they make towards the work of various standards institutions or bodies throughout the world. World Standards Day again serves as an occasion which draws attention of the world to the need to apply standards in everything we do, namely, the building of aircraft and shipping lines, design and construction of vehicles, drug manufacturing, preservation of medicine, the transportation sector and many other sectors. 

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The theme for the celebration of this year’s World Standards Day is “Standards for Sustainable Development Goals”. This theme focuses on the fact that we need a world that calls for better, fairer and more sustainable development.

It is only when we fight for sustainable development that our present and future generations can be guaranteed meaningful life on this earth.

FUTURE GENERATIONS

For example, if certain individuals use illegal mining to enrich themselves and destroy the environment, our present and future generations would be denied meaningful life in the world. What this means is that, we all need to work hard to make it possible for life in this world to be enjoyed today and protected for future generations.

The Sustainable Development Goals represent a shared vision for peace and prosperity, for all people and for the planet. Every Sustainable Development Goal is a call for action but we can only attain our purpose if we work together.

PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS

Standards offer practical solutions that we can all stand behind or support. When we apply standards, we become part of the solution we are all seeking.

The world is faced with a number of problems including the havoc brought about by COVID-19 but solutions can only be found when we work together through the application of standards in the global community.

Standards, development and promotion is undertaken by National Standards Bodies in collaboration with International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

INAPPROPORIATE STANDARDS

Many of the problems we face in society today stem from none application of relevant standards. The production of substandard medicine does not help to solve our ailment problem. Similarly, the collapse of buildings in various parts of the country and also other parts of the world come from non application of standards.

The fruits we eat, if not produced according to standards, create trial health problems for our people. To overcome our socioeconomic challenges, we should not just produce things anyhow but rather undertake production in line with application of relevant standards. This is the only way to overcome our health challenges, safety of people and also problems the environment faces.

Let us support the application of relevant standards in all sectors of the economy and make our shared vision for good life a reality.

Email address/whatsApp number of author:

Pradmat201@gmail.com (0553318911)

By Dr. Kofi Amponsah-Bediako