ISO countries collaborate to enhance consumer engagement and prioritize sustainability in standardization efforts
The 44th ISO COPOLCO Plenary, a four-day event held from May 23-26, 2023, concluded in New Delhi, hosted by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The plenary saw enthusiastic engagement and successful multilateral participation from various stakeholders. Nidhi Khare, IAS, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, delivered the keynote address, highlighting significant advancements in consumer protection and the establishment of robust grievance redressal systems for faster resolutions. 
Emphasizing the importance of sustainability in standardization, Khare urged manufacturers to prioritize sustainable design parameters for their products and become active partners in reducing e-waste. The event also featured the presence of Mamta Upadhyay Lal, Additional Director General of BIS; Prof. B. Metri, Director of the Indian Institute of Management, Nagpur and Chairman of the Management & Systems Division Council, BIS; and Sadie Dainton, Chairperson of COPOLCO.
The plenary, organized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Committee on Consumer Policy (COPOLCO), is an annual flagship event focused on consumer engagement. With 168 member countries, ISO holds a series of significant meetings, involving stakeholder groups, committees, and communities, to strengthen the standardization process and enhance consumer participation globally.
This year’s plenary gained particular significance among participants and delegates due to its people-centric approach and themes such as “Challenges and Good Practices for Consumer Engagement,” “Empowering Consumers for a Sustainable Future,” and “Consumer Protection and Legal Frameworks.” The conference featured workshops, addresses by distinguished speakers, including ministers and renowned individuals from around the world, as well as panel discussions on consumer engagement-related topics.
Mamta Upadhyay Lal highlighted BIS’s initiatives, including Manak Manthan and Quality Connect, aimed at enhancing consumer engagement in standardization.
ISO officials commended the 44th COPOLCO Plenary for successfully empowering consumers toward a sustainable future through in-depth discussions and the exchange of national and international experiences related to the challenges consumers face in making sustainable choices and promoting the circular economy. They also expressed ISO’s renewed commitment to integrating the objectives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals into its standards program and ensuring the representation of vulnerable stakeholders affected by climate change in its standards and policy work.
The ISO Secretariat expressed deep gratitude to the Bureau of Indian Standards and the Indian government for their hospitality and support in hosting the 44th ISO/COPOLCO meeting, recognizing the consumer’s critical role as a partner in society and the economy. They appreciated the opportunity to interact with representatives from over 40 member countries, liaison organizations, and 21 Indian consumer organizations in person and online.
As one of ISO’s founding members since its establishment in 1947, India is considered a crucial partner in realizing ISO’s vision of improving lives, safety, and overall well-being.
Sadie Dainton extended appreciation to all member countries for their continuous engagement and commitment to raising awareness among consumer stakeholders about the value of standards for consumer protection. She emphasized the importance of involving and engaging consumers in developing credible and robust standards that address real problems faced by people, setting out good practices for organizations to minimize consumer harm.
The plenary encompassed dialogue sessions, workshops, and interactive sessions covering various consumer-related themes. During the workshops, representatives from different countries formed groups to exchange views, information, and experiences.
The event attracted distinguished individuals from the Indian government, business sectors, and a diverse international delegation of eminent global stakeholders.
Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and Textiles, addressed the gathering of international delegates, representatives of international and national consumer welfare organizations during the inaugural session. The event was also attended by eminent international dignitaries, including Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution; Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution; Rohit Kumar Singh, Secretary of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution; ISO Secretary-General Sergio Mujica, and other high-ranking officials from ISO and standards organizations worldwide.
