[odf-discuss] ISO essay contest

[Michiel Leenaars]

Hi all, 

probably most people have missed this so far, but last week an excellent
opportunity to let ISO know what it should do in future OOXML-like
situations popped up (see also below): 

http://www.iso.org/iso/pressrelease.htm?refid=Ref1120
http://www.iso.org/iso/award_2008_form.pdf

I think there might be some people here under 35 (I just passed that
bar, unfortunately) that can devote some of their allotted blog time to
writing an offline essay to indirectly tell the chair of ISO what is
wrong with the current process and how to improve its processes towards
sustainable and safe economic development. Oh, and that ISO should
start working with ODF files internally for security and sustainability
purposes.  

Best,
Michiel Leenaars
NLnet foundation


 ISO launches essay competition for young standardizers

2008-03-26

ISO Helmut Reihlen AwardAn essay competition for young standardizers in
developing countries and economies in transition on the contribution
that international standards can make to the implementation of public
policies has just been launched by ISO. 

The purpose of the competition for the Helmut Reihlen Award is to
encourage young professionals to engage in international
standardization and to raise awareness of the importance of standards
in promoting safe and sustainable economic development. The theme for
the 2008 award is “International standards supporting public policies”. 

ISO Secretary-General Alan Bryden comments: "In a globalized world,
public policies can no longer be developed and implemented in isolation
when they impact on trade, health, security and the environment.
Increasingly, the use and referencing of standards, based on the
consensus of the interested stakeholders, may assist in good regulatory
practices and good public governance." 

The competition is organized within the framework of the ISO Programme
for Developing Countries, and the award is co-sponsored by ISO and the
Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN), ISO member for Germany. It is
named after Professor Dr. Helmut Reihlen, Director of DIN from 1977 to
1999, in recognition of his significant contribution to the ISO Action
Plan for Developing Countries. 

The contest is open to permanent employees of standardization
institutions, members of ISO, in developing countries and economies in
transition. Delegates and experts involved in ISO technical work, duly
authorized by the ISO member in their country, may also participate. 

To take part, candidates must be under 35 years old, write an essay on
the proposed theme and complete the contest entry form. Entries should
be mailed to the chief executive officer of the candidate’s national
standards body by 9 May 2008. The winner of the first prize, 3 000
Swiss francs, will receive the award at the 31st ISO General Assembly,
to be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in October 2008. Second and
third prizes will also be awarded. 

Public policy addresses a wide range of issues such as health, safety,
security and preservation of the environment, communication and
transport systems, consumer protection and many others. 

Achieving the objectives related to these issues often involves meeting
requirements for quality, ecology, safety, economy, reliability,
compatibility, interoperability, efficiency and effectiveness. ISO
International Standards may provide the technical detail to ensure such
metrics and features for products, processes, materials, systems and
personnel.