Strengthening global cooperation in Davos through ISO standards

In today’s interconnected world, addressing global challenges demands unprecedented levels of cooperation. Whether tackling climate change, driving sustainable economic growth or safeguarding public health, the collective efforts of governments, businesses and civil society are essential.

Earlier this month, the World Economic Forum published the second edition of its Global Cooperation Barometer, identifying five critical pillars of global collaboration: trade and capital flows, innovation and technology, climate and natural capital, health and wellness, and peace and security.

These pillars set the stage for this year’s Annual Meeting in Davos, taking place this week under the theme "Collaboration for the Intelligent Age".

ISO is in Davos, emphasizing the vital role of International Standards in facilitating effective cooperation. With a network spanning over 170 member countries, 50 000 experts and a portfolio of 25 000 standards, across a multitude of sectors such as AI, cybersecurity, climate mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity, circular economy, SDGs, ESG, energy transition, food security, health and healthcare, financial services, and many others, ISO enables governments, businesses and civil society to align efforts and take measurable actions in shaping a more interconnected world. ISO standards help ensure that solutions are resilient, innovative and sustainable, providing universally recognized tools for progress that benefit people and the planet.

Our standards play a pivotal role across all five pillars highlighted in the Barometer, demonstrating how unified efforts can lead to meaningful change. Standards are not just guidelines – they are catalysts for progress, driving collective action in the pursuit of a more resilient, sustainable and inclusive future.

Let's take a look at how.

Enabling fair trade and economic resilience

Trade and capital flows are the foundation of global development, driving economic resilience and creating opportunities for prosperity across borders. However, ensuring fair and reliable trade requires robust mechanisms to guarantee product quality, safety and interoperability. ISO is essential to this process.

Our standards, such as the internationally trusted ISO 9001 for quality management, provide businesses with a robust framework to ensure excellence. These standards act as a gateway to global markets, empowering organizations to expand their reach with confidence and credibility.

Shaping tomorrow’s innovations

Innovation and technology are the driving forces behind global progress, from accelerating scientific breakthroughs to addressing some of society’s most complex challenges. International Standards are integral to supporting emerging technologies and ensuring their safe, responsible development.

Consider, for example, ISO/IEC 42001, the world’s first AI management system standard. Developed to foster the responsible, safe and trustworthy use of AI, this standard reflects the successful collaboration of over 60 countries. It helps organizations scale and deploy AI technologies, with a focus on responsibility.

As the digital landscape evolves, our standards continue to lay the groundwork for transformative fields such as bio-digital convergence, quantum technologies and the metaverse, positioning ISO as one of the key players in shaping the future of technology.

Turning pledges into climate action

Climate change and the preservation of natural capital stand as two of the most pressing global challenges of our time, and will be high on the agenda this week in Davos. As countries and organizations strive to meet their climate commitments, ISO standards help transform pledges into tangible, measurable actions.

Through our portfolio, which covers a range of topics including climate adaptation and mitigation, emissions reduction, biodiversity, ESG, sustainable finance and the circular economy, we provide the consistency and reliability the international community urgently needs.

Sustainability will be a key focus for ISO this week in Davos. As the world accelerates efforts to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, International Standards emerge as essential instruments for bridging divides and fostering global alignment.

Building a healthier world

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical role of robust global health systems. As the needs of the world evolve, including that more and more countries are facing challenges that come with aging populations, there is an intensified focus not only on treating illnesses but also on prevention, through healthcare systems that are resilient, efficient and equitable.

ISO’s contributions to healthcare are essential in improving the safety, efficacy and accessibility of medical products and services. A key example is ISO 13485, the touchstone standard for quality management in the design and manufacture of medical devices. But ISO’s work in healthcare goes beyond product-specific standards. Through fostering international collaboration and providing best practice for emerging healthcare technologies, we are helping to shape resilient health systems that benefit individuals across the globe.

Strengthening global security

Global stability serves as the cornerstone for progress, and peace and security are vital in upholding this. ISO standards play a crucial role in improving security by providing a structured approach to risk management, emergency preparedness and information security.

Take, for instance, ISO 31000, which offers comprehensive guidelines for managing risks across diverse sectors, from environmental and economic challenges to security-related concerns. Furthermore, the ISO/IEC 27000 series delivers a robust framework for managing information security, empowering organizations to protect sensitive data and secure digital infrastructures.

Leveraging global standards for a better future

As we gather in Davos this week, I urge stakeholders from all sectors – governments, businesses, civil society and international organizations – to take decisive action by embracing and implementing ISO standards.

These standards are not merely technical tools but foundational building blocks of success. By adopting ISO standards, we can unlock new opportunities for collaboration, ensure interoperability across borders and drive systemic change on the most pressing issues of our age.

The time to act is now. Let us harness the collective strength of the ISO system and the potential of partnerships to create a world where innovation thrives, climate action accelerates and everyone reaps the benefits.

See you in Davos!