About World Standards Day

Since 1970, World Standards Day has been celebrated in various ways throughout the world. Conferences, exhibitions, seminars, TV and radio interviews, and even “World Standards Week" events take place annually on or around 14 October.

The goal of World Standards Day is to raise awareness of the importance of global standardization to the world economy and to promote its role in helping meet the needs of business, industry, government, and consumers worldwide. World Standards Day also pays tribute to the thousands of volunteers around the world who participate in standardization activities. 

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) joined with ISO in the celebration of World Standards Day in 1988, and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) was added in 1993.

The US Celebration of World Standards Day

Initiated by the Standards Engineering Society (SES) in 1990, the US celebration of World Standards Day is now a joint effort between the private and public sector. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) co-chair the event with participation by some 50 trade associations, professional societies, standards development organizations, corporations, and government agencies.

The US celebration of World Standards Day includes a reception, exhibits, dinner, and presentation of the Ronald H. Brown Standards Leadership Award. Named after the late US Secretary of Commerce, the award recognizes demonstrated leadership in promoting the important role of standardization in eliminating global barriers to trade.

View information about the 2025 World Standards Day Paper Competition

View past World Standards Day Paper Competition winning papers.