When ISO held its first meeting in 1947, countries around the world were rebuilding and people were looking for ways to turn a dire situation into something more positive. They set out with courage and enthusiasm to discover the most efficient techniques to promote the most effective technology. The answers they found were ISO standards.
Today, our world is facing its greatest challenges ever. We will continue work to promote the benefits of standards, to develop new standards when needed, using our trusted system of transparency and international consensus.
But it wasn’t just about addressing technical challenges, it was about a new way of working together. The ISO system was created around the idea that every voice must be heard if we are to find a way to live and work together successfully.
As we celebrate the achievements of the last 75 years, we’re looking to the future. The pace of change has only continued to accelerate and ISO is helping to drive and manage that evolution.
Since that time, 25641 ISO standards are proof of the success of that idea. They cover everything from the nuts-and-bolts of the built world to the Cloud technology that enables you to read this.
Across the last 75 years, ISO standards have become integrated into almost every aspect of the way we live. And with four times as many people trying to get along together as when ISO was founded, our members are committed to standards that makes lives easier, safer and better. That’s one more reason to celebrate.
Ulrika FranckePresident, ISO
Sergio MujicaSecretary-General, ISO