2021
Accreditation, and with it other institutions in the field of quality infrastructure, in particular metrology, standardisation, conformity assessment and market surveillance, are key elements in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals and three interrelated thematic priorities: creating shared prosperity, enhancing economic competitiveness and protecting the environment. Accreditation supports policy objectives in areas such as international trade, food safety, health and environmental protection and the development of industrial infrastructure. It provides a trusted platform for the development and verification of product or service requirements and helps to ensure that products and services meet specific requirements.
The recently released UNIDO publication “Quality and Standards, Their Role in the Response to COVID-19”, which examines the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on trade, highlights the important role that accreditation can play in mitigating negative impacts and supporting the Sustainable Development Goals.
Progress is being made around the world towards achieving these goals. The theme of this year's World Accreditation Day was chosen to remind us that one of the significant benefits of accreditation is supporting the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. Accreditation is an important and relevant tool even in today's era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and rapid technological innovation.
Every conformity assessment body can make a significant contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.