Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 6 December 2023 – In a significant stride toward fostering global industrial development, Mr. Silvio Dulinsky, Deputy Secretary-General of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and Ms. Petra Schwager on behalf of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) have formalized the commitment to enhance collaboration between the two organizations.

The declaration, reaffirming a collaboration spanning over forty years, underscores the shared objectives of ISO and UNIDO in promoting inclusive and sustainable industrial development worldwide. The collaboration focuses on encouraging the adoption of International Standards to support innovation and address global challenges, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG 9).

Key Highlights of the Joint Declaration:

1. Boosting Compliance Capacities: ISO and UNIDO will collaborate to strengthen the compliance capacities of industries in developing countries, ensuring adherence to social and environmental sustainability standards.
2. Developing International Standards on Low-Carbon Hydrogen: The organizations commit to collaborating on developing standards on low-carbon hydrogen, aiming to accelerate the implementation of projects based on renewable energy sources.
3. Strengthening National Standards Bodies (NSB): The organizations aim to empower National Standards Bodies to develop relevant standards, embrace technology, and actively participate in international standards-setting processes.
4. Supporting SME Competitiveness: The collaboration will target Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), promoting the adoption of International Standards to enhance competitiveness and participation in global sustainable value chains.
5. Advocating for Climate-Resilient Industrial Development: ISO and UNIDO will work towards achieving a net-zero target by 2050 by identifying and promoting standards in key industrial sectors, facilitating climate mitigation and adaptation efforts in developing countries.

This joint effort signifies a crucial step forward in the mutual pursuit of sustainable development goals and the advancement of international standards to address the challenges of the evolving global landscape.