CNIS experts Wang Zhonghang and Pan Wei attended the online training on "global efforts to fulfill UN sustainable development goals (SDGs) amid COVID-19" launched by ISO on December 4.

The training is aimed at enhancing the understanding of the role of ISO standards in achieving SDG 5 (gender equality), SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy) and SDG 13 (climate action), in response to the increasing social, economic and environmental challenges faced by the world. Achieving SDGs becomes more important than ever under a global pandemic. ISO standards can promote free and fair trade and spur innovation and technical development by providing consensus-based specifications, thereby contributing to fulfilling SDGs.

Chinese experts were active in presenting viewpoints and recommendations on China's side in the keynote speeches at the event, and in panel discussions with more than 20 representatives from 14 countries. They also put forward suggestions on how ISO can raise public awareness of standardization, intensifying efforts in standards publicity and engaging more females and youth scholars in international standardization activities, which were echoed by foreign experts and recognized by organizers of the training.

This training course is only available to specific developing countries. Five candidates could be nominated from each country, but only two of them are allowed to attend the final training. The two experts nominated by CNIS were both shortlisted for the final section, demonstrating the institute's solid grounds in international standardization work. Based on the training results, CNIS is committed to developing more excellent international standards proposals regarding SDGs and making greater contribution to international standardization course.