ISO Valuable Resources: Networks & Accessing Knowledge

1. International Organization for Standardization www.iso.org

2. Using valuable resources Networks and accessing knowledge DEVCO/COPOLCO Workshop Train the trainers Paris, France20-25 February 2009 Acknowledgements to: Association française de normalisation (AFNOR),ISO/DEVCO and COPOLCO Secretariats, Consumers International

3. Using valuable resources –Committees and organizations which help This input gives information on networks and accessing knowledge, which can offer you the practical support to build on previous inputs. It will cover the objectives and activities of : • COPOLCO (ISO’s consumer policy advisory committee) • DEVCO (ISO’s developing country policy advisory committee) • CI (Consumers International) • Others

4. Using valuable resources – ISO structure

5. Using valuable resources –Networks and accessing knowledge The members of COPOLCO and DEVCO are NSBs The members of CI are consumer organizations NSB delegations attending COPOLCO may include representatives from NSBs, national consumer organizations and government departments. CI has liaison with COPOLCO

6. Using valuable resources – COPOLCO Membership • Over 100 members – about 2/3 of ISO’s membership • Worldwide membership from Europe, Asia, Africa, Americas, Middle East • Over half of the membership comes from developing and transitional economies • Active liaison with CI and OECD

7. Using valuable resources – COPOLCO objectives and role in ISO • Reports to ISO Council • Helps consumers benefit from standardization • Forum for exchange of information • Advises on current and potential ISO work • Advises ISO on policies and actions to respond to consumers’ needs

8. Using valuable resources –COPOLCO activities • Provides information and Web site about consumers and standards. www.iso.org - consumer issues • Alerts members to ISO standards work • Responds to members’ requests for information about standardization and policy matters • Holds an annual plenary with an open Workshop on subject relevant to standards and consumers • Provides training and networking possibilities (conferences, contact lists, and training – with DEVT) • Especially: input consumer views at the international level for policy and standards matters.

9. Using valuable resources – COPOLCO Participation • ISO member bodies or correspondent members can become members of COPOLCO: send a written request to the ISO Central Secretariat. • National organizations interested in participating in the work of COPOLCO can do this: coordinate with the ISO NSB. • CI members can also work through Consumers International.

10. Using valuable resources:COPOLCO communication COPOLCO Secretariat COPOLCO Members (100+ NSBs) National Consumer Bodies CI Membership in 115+ countries COPOLCO Working Groups (Consumer Experts)

11. Using valuable resources –COPOLCO opportunities for networking • COPOLCO annual Plenary and Chair’s Group • Annual “open” workshop addressing a topical consumer issue • Working groups including: • Consumer Priorities • Training • Global market place issues • Product safety

12. Using valuable resources – COPOLCO publications COPOLCO produces information material and policy statements. These include: • Distance learning module - Consumers and standards: partnership for a better world • ISO and the consumer • Your voice matters • The Consumer and standards - Guidance and principles for consumer participation in standards development • ISO/IEC Statement on consumer participation in standardization work • ISO/IEC Statement on the needs of elderly and persons with disabilities

13. Using valuable resources – Information publications

14. Using valuable resources – ISO Committee on developing country matters (DEVCO) • ISO/DEVCO reports to the ISO Council • Established in 1961 • Forum for the identification of needs, exchange of experience and best practices in standardization and related matters in developing countries • Monitors the implementation of the ISO Action Plan for Developing Countries 2005-2010 • ISO/DEVT = Development and Training Services unit at the ISO Central Secretariat

15. Using valuable resources –Key DEVCO objectives 2005 - 2010 • Improve awareness • Develop capacity • Increase national and regional cooperation • Develop electronic communication and expertise in IT tools • Increase participation in governance and technical work of ISO

16. Using valuable resources –DEVCO’s current priorities • Providing training in standards development and promoting international standards • Capacity building for effective participation of developing countries in the SR process • Strengthening regional activities and building strategic partnerships • During the past 12 months, 2 644 participants from 96 countries have benefited from technical assistance and training under the ISO Action Plan for developing countries

17. Using valuable resources – Consumers International (CI) • The only independent global campaigning voice for consumers • Over 220 member organizations in 115 countries • Building a powerful international consumer movement to help protect and empower consumers everywhere • CI and its members work with relevant organizations at the national and international level to ensure standards contribute to meeting consumer needs

18. Using valuable resources – CI membership criteria • Not for profit • No grants/donations from business • No political party affiliations • National agenda covering range of consumer issues • Substantial track record

19. Using valuable resources –CI’s objectives • For all consumers to have access to safe and sustainable goods and services • For standards to effectively contribute to this needs recognition by government NSBs and COs, of the: • Necessity of consumer representation • Value of consumer representation • Role of standards in consumer protection and legislation ...and the resources that are needed to make this happen

20. Why CI is involved in standards? • Standards contribute to accessing safe and sustainable goods and services • International standards should reflect the needs of all economies, regions and stakeholders • Consumer issues such as environment, sustainability, CSR, and services are now being addressed by standards • Recognition of standards as a tool to provide consumer protection

21. Using valuable resources – CI role in standards • CI has liaison status with ISO, ISO /COPOLCO and IEC • CI’s members can participate fully in their country’s NSBs • CI coordinates the work of its members to promote sharing of expertise and to target priority issues • CI’s representatives can bring the global consumer voice direct to international standards meetings

22. Using valuable resources – CI Communication/Networking • CI website with members’ intranet • Regional membership services officers • CI member standards list serve • Membership Campaign Working Groups • COPOLCO

23. Using valuable resources – CI Information/policy papers • First steps in standards representation: a guide for consumer organizations • Basic and clear guidance on how to participate in standards • Free to download on-line from the CI website • CI also develops policy papers and positions on standards within their strategic priorities. • Publicly available documents can be found on the website; others are for member access only. • Consumer organizations are also important in ensuring the adoption, implementation, and market surveillance of standards, e.g. product testing. Many consumer organizations have their own national publications and websites.

24. Using valuable resources: COPOLCO/DEVCO Training – Toronto 2005 CI works with ISO/COPOLCO and ISO/DEVT on training activities like this!

25. Using valuable resources – other opportunities Don’t forget to be vigilant and explore other resource and network opportunities such as: • Activities related to World Standards Day • National priorities • The work of International agencies e.g. UNIDO, UN/ECE, WHO • National/regional development agencies e.g. SIDA, EU • NSB technical development programmes