The FINANCIAL -- The growing awareness that ISO International Standards can make practical contributions to tackling many of the challenges facing the international community has led to ISO being invited to participate in two of the "global agenda councils" set up by the World Economic Forum, organizer of the annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, of leaders from business, government and civil society.

According to ISO, each council serves as an informal advisory group to the WEF and, through the forum, to the international community. The councils unite experts, including business and government leaders, in an on-going, comprehensive and shared creative process to monitor and address global, regional and industry challenges.

ISO Secretary-General Rob Steele attended meetings with public and private sector leaders at the 2012 WEF Forum in Davos in January of the groups addressing these issues.He pointed out that ISO standards support the UN Millennium Goals, such as for ensuring food and water for the world's population. Other standards already existing or under development address areas such risk management, corporate governance, information security, road traffic safety, supply chain security, climate change, health and safety, consumer issues and societal responsibility – all pressing issues on the global agenda.

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