The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP), has enthusiastically embraced World Standards Day, celebrated internationally on the 14th of October each year.
This year’s World Standards Day carries the banner of “Goal 3 of the Sustainable Development Agenda: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.” The theme underscores the crucial role of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in advancing the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
Imad bin Khamis al Shukaili, Director General of Standards and Metrology at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, emphasized that ensuring access to good health and well-being is a fundamental human right. Goal 3 of the Sustainable Development Agenda underscores the importance of providing healthy lives and promoting well-being for individuals of all ages.
He highlighted the critical role of international specifications and conformity assessment in achieving this goal. These standards create a global framework that facilitates the adoption of digital health technologies, drives research and development, and enhances the manufacturing of healthcare devices and systems. In turn, this ensures the provision of effective, safe, and reliable medical devices and health services for a broad global population.
Al Shukaili stressed that standards and metrology are the cornerstones for developing effective policies and regulations that foster cooperation and yield optimal results in healthcare.
He noted that in line with the evolution of digital health technology, specifications from organizations like IEC, ISO, and ITU are essential for ensuring the security of systems and protecting patient privacy. Oman is actively joining global efforts to accelerate the United Nations’ 2030 plan, developing standard specifications to achieve the Sustainable Development Agenda’s goals and create a better world for all.
Al Shukaili revealed that, as of the end of September 2023, over 26,000 Omani and Gulf standard specifications have been approved. These cover various industrial and service sectors, spanning electricity, electronics, mechanics, metals, food and goods, agriculture, chemistry, textiles, oil and gas, building and construction materials, metrology, quality management, information, and information technology.
In addition, he shared that 732 Omani standard specifications were issued in the past year, including specifications for electric vehicles, plastic water containers, and cooling systems. These standards aim to promote energy efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability.
Moreover, a standard specification for hydrogen vehicles was introduced to align with the government’s clean energy initiatives and emissions reduction targets for 2050. This specification prioritizes safety and aims to reduce harm in accidents while curbing pollutants associated with gasoline and diesel fuel.
Specifications for plastic water meter boxes and liquid synthetic detergents for fabrics and clothing were also unveiled, reaffirming Oman’s commitment to enhancing quality of life through standardized practices.
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