THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS ORGANISATION TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS’ SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FOR 2030 AGENDA

Abstract

The United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDG) is an ambitious set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that aim to increase peace and prosperity, eradicate poverty, and contribute to reducing climate change. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide specific actions for developing and developed countries, and the range of actions covers all three dimensions of sustainable development - economic, social, environmental. The UN Agenda recognizes the need to build peaceful, just and inclusive societies that ensure respect for human rights (including the right to development) and equal access to justice, an effective rule of law and good governance at all levels, and transparent, effective and accountable institutions. The Agenda requires contributions from all parts of society, including local and national governments, business, industry and other stakeholders; cooperation between different groups is needed to make the process a success. One such group that is actively contributing to the implementation of the Agenda is the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). ISO is an independent, non-governmental organization that includes a wide network of experts in a variety of fields whose knowledge and experience provide best practices, procedures and specifications that help organizations and industries operate efficiently and safe. The International Organization for Standardization has 169 national standards bodies. Through its global network, ISO implements the development and implementation of voluntary and market-relevant international standards that support innovation, sustainability and global trade. Organisations implement ISO standards to ensure systematic improvement in the quality of products and services, international recognition, regulatory compliance and operational efficiency. Adherence to ISO standards also helps to manage risk, improve customer satisfaction, engage employees and encourage innovation, contribute to a positive reputation and facilitate international business. In addition, compliance with environmental standards demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices. It states that through its members, ISO "brings together experts to share knowledge and develop voluntary, consensus-based, market-relevant international standards that support innovation and address global challenges". The paper therefore raises a challenging question: what is ISO's contribution to the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development?

 The aim of this paper is to analyse the contribution of ISO to the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 

 Research methods: analysis and synthesis of scientific literature and expert documents. As expert and other documents, the information on the International Organization for Standardization website and documents describing the contribution of standards to the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development are analysed.

 ISO has published more than 25 048 international standards that reflect internationally collaborative frameworks. These standards provide a structured framework of processes that help to create consistent and high quality products or services, meet customer expectations and improve the overall quality of products or services. Standards provide a solid foundation on which innovation and risk management can be built and become key tools to help governments, industry and consumers contribute to sustainable development. Standards cover all three dimensions of sustainable development and play a key role in supporting the sustainable development model. ISO standards contribute to different extents to each of the SDGs. The largest share (57.96%) of standards contributes to SDG 9 on Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, which aims to build quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure for economic development and human well-being, focusing on affordable and equitable access for all, and to promote inclusive and environmentally sound industrialisation. 14.35% of all standards contribute to achieving the 3rd SDG Good Health and Well-being, which aims to strengthen the physical and mental health of people of all ages, promote healthy lifestyles, and ensure quality and accessible healthcare. 12.77% of standards contribute to achieving the 12th SDG Responsible Consumption and Production, which aims to ensure sustainable patterns of consumption and production through the development of appropriate environmental policy. 11.43 % of ISO standards contribute to achieving the 8th SDG Decent Work and Economic Growth. However, even where a small number and proportion of standards contribute to the achievement of the SDGs, ISO is making its position clear and strong. ISO's contribution to the SDGs is various: by providing frameworks and guidance, ISO standards provide a framework for organizations to integrate sustainable practices into their operations through the promotion of responsible business practices, environmental stewardship, ensuring economic development, promoting technological advancement and sustainable industrialization, ensuring sustainable practices throughout the supply chain, promoting community involvement and cooperation, reducing inequalities and corruption, and a strong focus on safety and health.