IEC, ISO and ITU1 drive international standards and conformity assessment work that is instrumental for the three main pillars of the 2021 G20, People, Planet and Prosperity, to support global efforts to build a more peaceful, sustainable, and fairer future.

The global economy is facing unprecedented challenges. These have been intensified by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the climate emergency. The international standards community must drive forward its multilateral efforts as we navigate through unstable times and look ahead to a robust, balanced, and inclusive global economic recovery. We must agree on a shared commitment to contribute to a sustainable recovery process that can help bridge widening income gaps and inequalities in societies.

The pandemic has highlighted the benefits of digitalization for the economy and society: to support employment, health, and education (People), to contribute to sustainability (Planet) and to enable the economic resilience of businesses (Prosperity). International standards are the backbone of digital technologies creating a “common language” that enables quality and compatibility for all users. They contribute to breaking down the digital divide for a more inclusive and interconnected world.
International standards have a multi-faceted role to play in facilitating the recovery on all three levels of sustainability: economic, social, and environmental. Referencing standards in policies to support the rebuilding process, governments stand to make a huge impact on People, Planet and Prosperity in years to come. Digital technologies that work safely and efficiently for the benefit of society can ensure a sustainable, equitable and prosperous future. It enables new forms of collaboration and opens up new creative possibilities for environmental policy. Digital technologies supported by international standards are powerful solutions for climate action and economic sustainability.

Participants of the International Standards Summit for People, Planet and Prosperity and members of the World Standards Cooperation1 call on all countries to recognize, support, and adopt international standards which contribute to the three pillars of action: People, Planet, and Prosperity of the 2021 G20 Summit. Together, we will ensure that international standards accelerate the successful achievement of the Paris Agreement, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the United Nations Call for Action on Adaptation and Resilience.

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