The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have announced the launch of ISO/UNDP 53001, which they describe as the ‘world’s first International Standard for managing contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)’.
The new standard, which was launched at the recent ISO Annual Meeting in Paris, is designed to assist organisations with implementing the SDGs into their strategy, governance and operations.
‘Shared global vision’
“The SDGs have provided a shared global vision for a decade. Today, organisations are looking for concrete ways to translate that vision into action,” commented Sergio Mujica, ISO secretary general.
“International Standards have long helped organisations address complex global challenges by providing a common language and a shared framework for action. We are delighted to launch ISO/UNDP 53001 today, extending this proven approach to the SDGs and helping organisations create positive impact for people and planet.”
The launch of the standard comes amidst growing expectations on governments, businesses and institutions, including educational and civil society organisations, to demonstrate meaningful progress on sustainable development.
It enables organisations to identify the SDG or SDGs that are most relevant to their context and stakeholders, establish relevant objectives, and incorporate these into their day-to-day processes, enabling them to measure progress over time.
As the UNDP noted in a statement, it provides a ‘consistent basis for demonstrating that an organisation’s approach meets defined requirements, strengthening accountability and confidence in the actions taken.’
‘Inclusive and prosperous’
“The SDGs provide a shared blueprint for a more inclusive and prosperous future. Achieving that requires organisations everywhere to turn ambition into action,” added Marcos Neto, UN assistant secretary general and director of UNDP’s Bureau for Policy and Programme Support.
“We are proud to launch ISO/UNDP 53001 alongside ISO as a crucial tool to help organisations embed the SDGs into the way they operate, lead and govern. By making sustainability part of everyday decision-making, the standard can help accelerate progress towards the 2030 Agenda.”
Both ISO and UNDP said that they plan to work with partners on implementation, including developing sector-specific guidance that connects global sustainability priorities with industry and market conditions. Read more here.
