202601 Issue of China Standardization

To help university students know more about standards, and attract them to participate in standardization activities, the International Standardization Youth Star Competition was initiated by the International Standardization Outstanding Contribution Award Foundation (ISOCAF) in 2023, and has been held since then for three consecutive years in China. The 2025 Competition attracted 236 teams nationwide who demonstrated great enthusiasm for engaging in the standardization undertaking. The SPECIAL REPORT column presents the series reports on the competition, which is expected to inspire more young minds to step forward, innovate with purpose, and shape a future where standards unite ambition with impact.

Zhang Xiaogang, former President of ISO and Founder of ISOCAF, said in the address, “For students on this stage today, no matter what awards you have won, you have already achieved success. Standing out among over 230 teams nationwide is a success and an excellent learning opportunity. The nation’s development needs the younger generation to cultivate the consciousness and mindset of standardization, and genuinely contribute to China’s high-quality development, so as to realize your own life value.”

During the event, we conducted interviews with two international standardization experts—Rachel Miller Prada, ISO Capacity Building Project Manager, and Tom Heilandt, Former Secretary of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. The EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW column presents two interview articles.

Rachel Miller Prada said, in ISO’s strategy, one goal is to ensure all voices are heard. ISO has realized that the participation rate of women aged 25-30 drops sharply, and is exploring solutions to keep women engaged in the standardization work, or to encourage their return after their childbearing and family-focused years. As part of the education program, ISO has also developed a game called Standard Quest to engage young audiences.

Tom Heilandt also gives invaluable advice to Chinese college students, “Chinese students receive excellent technical education and are known for their strong work ethic... they should be confident in their abilities. Their education is strong, and there is no reason to step back in international environments.”

In the GLOBAL VISION column, Dr. Zaki Al-Rubaei, Head of International Cooperation at the GCC Standardization Organization (GSO) shared his insightful views about modern organizations, standardization and stakeholder rations, as well as GSO’s initiatives for stakeholder partnership.

The article in the SPOTLIGHT column elaborates on why carbon standards begin to play a critical role. As green transition rises from a moral obligation to a core economic competitiveness, standards have emerged as the strategic pacesetter of global climate governance.
Enjoy your reading! May this issue of the magazine spark inspirations and insights.