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.
They will collaborate on initiatives geared towards enhancing international standards that advance sustainability actions by both the public and private sectors, including the prospective development of the first international standard for the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) based on UNDP’s SDG Impact Standards and relevant ISO standards.
Such a standard would be significant in that it 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 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.
The two organizations look forward to a close collaboration together with all who contribute to advancing the achievement of the SDGs.
About ISO
ISO is an international organization with a membership of 168 national standards bodies. Through its global network, it facilitates the development of voluntary and market-relevant International Standards that support innovation, sustainability, and global trade.
About UNDP
As the United Nations lead agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. UNDP helps countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and to build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
