The International Organization for Standardization recently welcomed its 150th member, FASONORM, the national standards body of the West African nation of Burkina Faso. Founded in 1946 by 25 countries, ISO’s steady progression in membership accelerated in the 1990s, when geopolitical changes brought new members from freshly independent states and developing countries. ISO’s recently released “Strategic Plan 2005–2010” includes several objectives that relate to raising the awareness in developing countries of the importance of standardization. ISO’s “Five-Year Plan for Developing Countries” is aimed at increasing membership among developing nations and strengthening existing standardization infrastructures.

“The international standards that ISO develops are designed to be put to use and provide benefits anywhere in the world, and so we take very seriously our commitment to make it easier for all countries, in all regions, regardless of their level of development and resources, to join the organization and to participate in our work,” says Alan Bryden, ISO secretary-general.

ISO’s current portfolio includes more than 15,000 international standards, addressing almost every business and activity sector.

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