President Xi Jinping of China said “standards have become the common language of the world” in a written message presented at the 39th ISO General Assembly in Beijing on September 12.
The message was presented by Zhi Shuping, Minister of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People’s Republic of China.
“With the deepening of economic globalization, standardization is playing an increasingly important role in facilitating business transactions, supporting industrial development, promoting scientific progress, and regulating social governance,” Jinping said. “Standards have become the common language of the world.”
In his address, Jinping went on to discuss how standards facilitate innovative development and lead the way for progress in our times.
“International standards are the major technical foundation of the development of a global governance system and the development of economic and trade cooperation.”
Commenting on the role of standards in China, Jinping said the country will “actively implement the strategy of standardization.
“We will promote innovative, coordinated, green, open and sharing development with the support of standards. Together with all countries in the world, we are ready to deepen cooperation in standards, enhance exchanges and mutual learning, and improve the system of international standards.”
The written message concluded with: “I hope that the participants of this assembly will pool wisdom and build consensus to jointly explore the active role of standardization in improving global governance and promoting sustainable development, so as to contribute to a better future of mankind.”
ISO week in China is being held from September 10 to 14 in Beijing. The agenda for this year includes meetings of the ISO Technical Management Board, the ISO Council and the ISO Committee on developing country matters, as well as the annual 39th ISO General Assembly followed by an open session on “Standards improve global connectivity.”
SAC Administrator Tian Shihong said the 39th General Assembly is the first to be held since the implementation of the latest five-year plan.
“With rich content in addition to its importance, the 39th General Assembly will surely pose far-reaching influence to international standardization,” Shihong said.
The event is being hosted by ISO’s member in China, SAC, and includes more than 500 delegates from more than 120 ISO members and representatives from 15 international organizations. Together, attendees will participate in discussions that will shape the direction of ISO’s future products, services, and systems.