World Standards Day 2023
The MCCAA organised a conference for World Standards Day on Wednesday 11th October. The theme of this year’s conference, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3, was the contribution of standards to the well-being of society.
This international day is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of standardization and honouring the efforts of the thousands of experts who develop and maintain national and international standards.
Minister for Inclusion, Voluntary Organisations and Consumer Rights Hon. Julia Farrugia Portelli, noted that in the realm of commerce, these standards are the bedrock upon which fair competition is built as they serve as the compass guiding economic operators, providing them with a clear and well-defined path to demonstrate their compliance with EU regulations and directives.
Keynote speakers at the event emphasised the multifaceted benefits that standards bring, particularly for SMEs. These enterprises form the backbone of many economies, and by adhering to established standards, they can enhance their competitiveness, ensure the quality of their products and services, and gain access to global markets.
Furthermore, the event shed light on the integral role of standards in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. As the world increasingly recognises the importance of sustainable business practices, standards provide a clear roadmap for companies to integrate ESG considerations into their operations.
In her closing remarks, the MCCAA Chairperson Inġ. Helga Pizzuto noted the challenges that SMEs may face in adhering to standards. She also remarked the close collaboration with the Chambers when working on adopting and complying with standards in order to gain consumer trust and recognition while increasing performance, efficiency and competitiveness.
Inġ. Pizzuto applauded the role of the Standards and Metrology Institute, an invaluable pillar in the landscape of standardisation. Thanks to the unwavering dedication of this entity, industries have been empowered to navigate the intricate landscape of standard compliance, guaranteeing that products and services adhere to the standards of quality and safety.