In an effort to recognize standardization’s integral role and immense contribution to the United Nations’ sustainable development progress, the U.S. celebration of World Standards Day 2022, on May 19, 2022 will be in-person event in Washington, D.C, commemorating the theme, “Standards for Sustainable Development Goals.”

The U.N.’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and improve the lives and prospects of everyone. All United Nation member states adopted the goals in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which set a 15-year plan to achieve the goals. The SDGs build on decades of work by countries and the U.N., including the U.N. Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

The U.S. Celebration of the World Standards Day theme recognizes the tremendous role that standardization plays in advancing and implementing these goals, with a special focus on making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable (SDG No. 11), as well as the partnerships and collaborations necessary for success.

This event (originally scheduled for Oct. 2021) will include the presentation of the Ronald H. Brown Standards Leadership Award, which is named for the late U.S. Secretary of Commerce—an individual who effectively promoted standardization as a key tool in the elimination of global trade barriers. The World Standards Day Paper Competition winners will also be announced by SES: The Society for Standards Professionals.

Launched in 1970, World Standards Day is celebrated by nations around the globe. A planning committee consisting of representatives from the standards and conformity assessment community organizes U.S. activities annually. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is serving as the May event administrating organization.

The event is co-chaired each year by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

A second U.S. WSD celebration will take place on Oct. 13, 2022, as an in-person event in Washington, D.C., with ICC serving as the event’s administrating organization.

Access more information about the U.S. Celebration of World Standards Day and the World Standards Day paper competition via the WSD webpage.

This article originally appeared on the ANSI website and is published with permission.