Bringing confidence to the world

IEC President Jacques Régis

In his Council address on 22 October 2009, IEC President Jacques Régis emphasized the continued relevance of IEC International Standards and the confidence they bring to industry, consumers and governments during this economic crisis and beyond. “The IEC has risen to the challenge, continuing to serve the market with improved services and products, helping NCs (National Committees) serve their stakeholders,” he said.

Increasing awareness of importance of standards

Régis pointed to the increasing importance of standardization and CA (Conformity Assessment) in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the areas of energy efficiency, renewables, electric vehicles and electricity generation and transmission.
“International standards can play an important role in building consumer and government confidence in energy efficiency and renewable energy,” Régis said.

The IEC SMB’s (Standardization Management Board’s) three strategic groups on electrical energy efficiency, UHV and Smart Grid deliver concrete recommendations to help set the strategic priorities of WGs (Working Groups), he said, adding that their work has resulted in increased awareness of IEC Standards by the industry and governments.

Strategic insight helps address future policy issues

Régis also underlined the crucial role of the IEC MSB (Market Strategy Board), which delivers strategic insights on market developments. "I am happy to report that the MSB has finished its draft policy paper for the IEC on Coping with the energy challenge", he said. The white paper, currently in final preparation for review by IEC management, covers broad policy issues that the IEC will face in the next 20 years.

IEC, ISO, ITU: Working together to promote standards

Underlining the excellent collaboration with ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and ITU (International Telecommunication Union) on operational, technical and policy fronts, he mentioned a number of projects and events being undertaken by the three sister organizations under the auspices of the tripartite WSC (World Standards Cooperation).

In parallel with the above, the IEC is upping its own efforts to increase awareness. Towards that end it has put in place the IEC Global Visions programme, which is also meant to help NCs reach out to stakeholders.

Inviting the participation of young professionals

Régis presented an initiative that is especially close to his heart: the IEC Young Professionals Programme, which aims to bring young engineers and managers into electrotechnology standardization. The initiative will be launched with a workshop scheduled to be held in parallel with the 2010 IEC General Meeting in Seattle. All NCs are encouraged to identify and nominate potential candidates.

Preparing the future

The IEC is at an important milestone, as it embarks on preparation of the 2011 Masterplan strategic review, he said. Meanwhile, the IEC must add further value to its products and services. It also needs to reduce the cost for standards development and increase training and other support for NCs, TCs (Technical Committees) and WGs.

IEC relevance depends on work of all experts in all technologies

Régis expressed his gratitude to the thousands of experts working in many different WGs both on standards and in CA. And while the public’s attention is often focused on cutting-edge technologies, he underlined that the IEC must remain focused on all the technologies covered by its 174 TCs and SCs (Subcommittees).