The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have signed a landmark Statement of Intent, signaling their commitment to the role of International Standards in addressing global development challenges. The agreement, the first signed between both organisations, includes the drafting of the first international standard that will provide a common basis for documentation and certification, making it easier for organizations and companies to align their efforts and document progress toward the SDGs. This is the future ISO 53001 standard, which will establish the requirements of a UN SDG management system.
In addition, this alliance will encourage the evolution of international standards that promote sustainability actions by both the public and private sectors.
The Spanish Association for Standardization, UNE, the Spanish member of ISO, takes a significant role in the development of international standards and in raising awareness of the importance of compliance. Thus, it has created the UNE 343 Committee on the Management System of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with the aim of participating in and establishing the national position in the development of the ISO 53001 standard.
This partnership creates the opportunity to harness the complementary competencies and reach of two of the world’s leading organizations in their field and marks a notable step towards aligning sustainability standards globally.
“As we see with SDG 17 – Partnerships for Goals, achieving the SDGs requires true partnering across all sectors” said ISO President, Ulrika Francke. This partnership between ISO and UNDP brings forth an opportunity to build on the unique contributions of each organization for a more resilient and equitable future for all”.
“By helping to shape new management standards for businesses and investors, UNDP and ISO can ensure that sustainability and the SDGs are not just an add-on to business – they will be an intrinsic part of how all business is done,” said Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator. With better practices, we will achieve better outcomes for business and investors – and better outcomes for people and planet.”
The United Nations lead agency on international development, UNDP, works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty, reduce inequality and social exclusion, and build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
