WESF plays a role in promoting standardization and eliminating global trade barriers.
Representatives of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Federation attended the recent Pan American Standards Commission (COPANT) Week 2025, hosted by the National Standardization Office (NC) of the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Environment of the Republic of Cuba from May 4-7 in Havana. The event brought together representatives from National Standardization Bodies (NSBs) across the Americas region, as well as international authorities, quality infrastructure experts, adherent members from Europe and Asia, and 10 regional organizations and authorities.
With a delegation of 13, ANSI participated in the general assembly and executive board meetings, as well as a series of strategic planning workshops for technical exchange and collaboration across countries. High-level panels featured representatives from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU. The program also included business networking sessions and cultural visits to strengthen cooperation ties among participants. Dr. Laurie E. Locascio was introduced as ANSI’s new president and CEO; she expressed her enthusiasm about building on ANSI’s longstanding collaborative relationship with the standards bodies of the Western Hemisphere.
During the workshop, “Standardization as a Tool for Innovation and Business Development,” attendees explored the involvement of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the development and application of technical standards, as well as the digital transformation of standards.
One of the immediate outcomes of COPANT Week was a virtual training on Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) considerations, attended by 44 experts from 16 countries. The event focused on the newly published international document ISO IWA 48, which provides a high-level framework for integrating ESG principles into organizations, and its complementarity with other key international standards and reporting instruments. Two ANSI members provided their expertise at the training: ASTM International presented on ASTM E3377-24, Standard Guide ESG Disclosure Related to Climate and Community, and the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) provided remarks on increasing ISO’s role in the ESG system.
Two additional ANSI workshops will take place this summer in coordination with UL Standards & Engagement: one on clean energy solutions; the other on environmental and economic drivers in standards.
