Global standards in green transition focus of forum

Officials and experts from around the world came together in Qingdao, Shandong province, on Friday to address climate change and promote low-carbon development.

At the 2023 Qingdao Forum on International Standardization, Sergio Mujica, secretary-general of the International Standardization Organization, emphasized the crucial role that international standards can play in tackling climate change.

In an interview with China Daily, he said that the ISO has devised a set of international standards for the world that are ready to be implemented. Mujica highlighted the collaborative nature of the ISO, stating that it not only relies on existing standards but can devise new standards through consensus, inclusivity and transparency.

He emphasized the importance of working with developing countries, particularly the most vulnerable states, in order to enable their participation in addressing climate change.

The Qingdao Forum on International Standardization, launched in 2017 and held biennially, was held this year on the theme of "standardization for green, low-carbon and high-quality development".

Representatives from governments and organizations — including Shandong province, China's State Administration for Market Regulation, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, the ISO and the International Electrotechnical Commission — were invited to discuss the technical role of international standards in promoting sustainable development and green, low-carbon development.

During the opening session, Tian Shihong, deputy head of the State Administration for Market Regulation, presented an initiative designed to encourage collective efforts to promote green and low-carbon development.

IEC Secretary-General Philippe Metzger spoke about the increasing importance of international standards in achieving harmony between humanity and nature. He said the standards should play a leading role in upgrading traditional industry, fostering emerging industry, optimizing energy and transport structures, and facilitating the development of the digital economy and society.

Metzger also mentioned that the commission supports the IEC National Committee of China in organizing the annual national Young Professionals Program, which aims to provide young experts and future leaders with a platform to participate.

An Baisheng, deputy director of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Economic and Trade Development Research Institute, said that climate change-induced reduction in agricultural production poses serious challenges to developing countries. Similarly, a number of member countries are traditional energy giants and green and low-carbon development presents them with challenges and opportunities.

"Standardization is the foundation and a crucial policy tool for green and low-carbon initiatives. Without standardization, it becomes difficult to identify and assess green and low-carbon efforts," he added.