Diversity of voices, youthful energy and a drive to learn and develop that goes over and above the day job are just some of the reasons why international standardization needs young professionals, said Siemen Maes, one of the participants in the IEC Young Professionals (YP) programme. But that’s not all.

“It was amazing how 20 people from all over the world and all kinds of backgrounds could come together and develop a solution in just a few hours,” he said.

“What was even more surprising was that in that short time a bond was developed and months later the group continues to meet, discuss and innovate on other ideas for standards.”

Siemen was one of nearly 100 YPs chosen to participate in the YP workshop at the IEC General Meeting (GM) held in Delhi, India earlier this year. The week-long event gave participants a deep dive into IEC standardization and conformity assessment, along with opportunities to meet and network.

As part of the workshop, participants were split into several groups and tasked with providing innovative ways of improving aspects of IEC systems such the IEC Collaboration Platform, the IEC and ISO Smart Programme and the online standards development platform.

One of those tasks was how to effectively explain the impact that the work of the IEC System for Conformity Assessment Schemes for Electrotechnical Equipment and Components (IECEE) has on the world. IECEE offers schemes that address the safety, quality, efficiency and overall performance of components, devices and equipment for homes, offices, workshops, health facilities among others.  Many intense hours in the workshop and later that night were spent working on the task as a result, Leo the lightbulb was born.

“We were really proud of the result, and working on it together created a really unique bond with a very diverse group of people so we have decided to continue the work, to keep the momentum going. We even have plans for another video, to explain another core principle of the IECEE, in which we might introduce a new character, Liza, a good friend of Leo.”

Siemen’s involvement in standardization, however, goes far beyond the workshop, as a key member of committees that develop standards relevant to his industry, including TC 69 for electric vehicles and the corresponding committees at national and European level.

Since its launch in 2010, the IEC Young Professionals Programme has offered a platform for the next generation of experts to bring a new perspective to the IEC community. The IEC GM provides an opportunity for YPs not only to meet and engage with industry leaders, standardization experts and IEC officers but also to help shape the future of the IEC.