On 9 October 2025, ANEC, ECOS and CEN and CENELEC hosted a joint webinar titled “The Importance of an Inclusive Standardization System” to mark World Standards Day. The online event brought together participants from a wider audience to reflect on how inclusiveness strengthens the standardization process and contributes to achieving sustainable development.
This year’s World Standards Day focused on Sustainable Development Goal 17 ‘Partnerships for the Goals,’ showing how collaboration lies at the heart of standardization and drives progress toward shared sustainable development goals. The webinar explored the role of inclusiveness in standardization, provided an overview of stakeholder participation in the European system, and featured case studies illustrating the valuable contributions of consumer and environmental organizations.
CEN and CENELEC set the scene by elaborating on what an inclusive standardization system is and what it means in the European standardization context. ANEC presented case studies on the accessibility of the built environment and on sustainability standards related to environmental statements and programmes for products, as well as circular design. ECOS showcased examples of sustainability standards focusing on fishing gear and cement, demonstrating how inclusive participation can improve the environmental ambition and real-world impact of standards.
The event offered a meaningful opportunity for dialogue among experts, civil society representatives and standardization bodies, reinforcing the shared commitment to a more open and participatory system.
The webinar recording and presentations are available on the CEN and CENELEC website.
