The IEC and International Standards as enablers of technolgy transfer Gabriel Barta IEC delegate to the UN

The World of Standards International: IEC, ISO, ITU, UNECE Regional: Africa (e.g. AFSEC, SADC) Americas (e.g. COPANT, MERCOSUR) Asia-Pacific (e.g. ASEAN, PASC) Europe (e.g. CENELEC, ETSI) National bodies/committees (e.g. Tunisia, Italy, France, USA) Shows the structure of standardization in the world today. International Regional National – very often an NSB (ISO), and a National Committee (IEC). Examples given are IEC NCs in the Americas

International, quasi-governmental org. What is the IEC? International, quasi-governmental org. World leader in preparing International Standards for “electrotechnology” All electrical, electronic & related technologies Also operates IECEE, IECEx and IECQ Global conformity assessment systems Testing, certification and approval Equipment, systems and components Environment, safety, performance, efficiency

IEC in Figures IEC countries (members + affiliates) 76 + 83 = 159 Number of technical committees Number of working groups Number of experts Number of publications in catalogue Number of pubs. issued in a year Conformity assessment systems Valid certificates HQ in Geneva; other regional offices: 76 + 83 = 159 174 ~ 1 000 ~ 9 000 6 027 500 - 600 3 100 000 4

IEC is already relevant to PAM countries A large majority (81 %) of PAM members are IEC members PAM members, with IEC members shown as Country (“AM” = Associate Member): Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Bosnia-Herzegovina (AM), Croatia, Cyprus (AM), Egypt, France, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (AM), Greece, Israel, Italy, Jordan (AM), Lebanon, Libya, Malta (AM), Monaco, Montenegro (AM), Morocco (AM), Palestine, Portugal, Serbia, Slovenia, Syria, Tunisia (AM), Turkey Active participation is a different question

“What does this have to do with us?” Standards allow industrial development & trade by creating a level playing field Experts’ involvement raises national expertise, brings companies up-to-date So standards are an essential tool for technology transfer Standards also play role in mitigating risks Including how to avoid or minimize the consequences of catastrophic events

National Committees (NCs) of the IEC NCs participate in standards development They represent all interests in their country Industry: manufacturers — suppliers Industry: users — customers Government and regulators Academia Testing laboratories Consumer associations End users

Parliamentary actions for trade & economic development The IEC proposes to Parliaments: To adopt a Resolution To create. support or broaden (as relevant) the National Committee of the IEC To facilitate its participation in the Technical Committees active in nationally strategic areas To assure a budget for training of experts & for participation in standards development

Thank you www.iec.ch/