Rwanda Hosts ISO Technical Committee 176 on Quality Management and Quality Assurance

From 9^th-13 October 2023, Rwanda through Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) hosts the 40^th Meeting of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Technical Committee (TC) 176 Quality Management and Quality Assurance.

Group photo-ISO/TC 176 meeting official opening

The ISO Annual Meeting is a unique convening opportunity for timely discussion on emerging trends and challenges related to International Standards and their role in achieving the global sustainable development agenda. Like other ISO/TCs, this technical committee on quality management and quality assurance annually held a meeting to discuss trends and challenges related to quality management and quality assurance standards and their role in achieving global sustainable development agenda.

Mr Raymond Murenzi, Director General, Rwanda Standards Board

In his welcome remarks, Mr Murenzi Raymond Director General of Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) remarked that since Rwanda joined the International Organisation for Standardization as member in 2003, the country has recorded a remarkable increase in participating in standardization activities of different ISO technical committees where it is represented by Rwanda Standards Board as member body to ISO. He added that the meeting was the third ISO TC meeting hosted following the one for ISO/ TC 283 on Occupational Health and Safety in 2018, the second being the one for ISO TC 323 on Circular Economy held in 2022 and finally that of ISO/ TC 176.

The Director General noted that the increase in participating in international standardization was triggered by the willingness and support of the Government of Rwanda and the full engagement and involvement of our industry coupled with good understanding of the importance of standards on their businesses. It was also adopted as an effective platform to promote awareness and raise the uptake of use of international standards and their role in international trade.

Mr Jeffrey Hunt, Chairperson ISO/TC 176

Mr Jeffrey Hunt, Chairperson of the ISO/TC 176 expressed the Committee’s gratitude for meeting in Rwanda and appreciated the hospitality and support they got to have everything ready on time. He wished all members fruitful deliberations during the week of the Committee’s work.

Mr JoséAlcorta-ISO

Speaking on behalf of ISO, Mr Jose Alcorta, Head of Standards Development at ISO noted:

At ISO, we are happy to develop international standards that provide solutions to challenges facing countries, industry or service providers. We appreciate Members and Partners’ participation in activities to develop and raise awareness on standards. We take this opportunity to call for more African countries to join in and participate in the works of different committees".

Mr Richard Niwenshuti, Permanent Secretary at MINICOM opened the meeting

The event was officiated by Mr Richard Niwenshuti, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade and Industry. In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary appreciated the presence of ISO/TC 176 Members for having accorded Rwanda to be their host as well as their continued demonstrated engagement and commitment in international standardization activities that continue to bring a positive impact to the desired global transformation in line with the set sustainable development agenda. He further applauded ISO for the good collaboration and support to its members, including Rwanda, in advancing and improving national quality systems through standardization and other related programs. He finally observed that Rwanda’s participation in ISO activities has significantly increased and reiterated the country’s commitment to keep the same pace. On the side of the Government and the Ministry of Trade and Industry in particular, he pledged continual support to standardization activities and those related to national quality infrastructure.

The ISO/TC 176 meeting saw the participation of delegates from more than 35 countries coming from different continents. The ISO Annual Meeting is a unique convening opportunity for timely discussion on emerging trends and challenges related to International Standards and their role in achieving the global sustainable development agenda. Like other ISO/TCs, this technical committee on quality management and quality assurance meeting is annually held to discuss trends and challenges related to quality management and quality assurance standards and their role in achieving global sustainable development agenda.

About ISO and ISO/TC 176

International Organization for standardization (ISO) acts as a bridging organization in which a consensus can be reached on standards and conformity assessment solutions that meet both the requirements of business and the broader needs of society. These activities are carried out by ISO technical committees (ISO/TCs). These committees are made by National Standards Bodies (NSBs) of countries, each per country.

ISO/TC 176 Quality management and quality assurance was established in 1979 and is responsible for standardization in the field of generic quality management systems. As well, the committee develops standards in quality management standardization in specific sectors at the request of affected sector. The committee is entrusted with an advisory function to ISO and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) to ensure the integrity of generic quality system standards and the effective implementation of the ISO/IEC sector policy on deliverables that include quality management system aspects. The 95 participating and 30 Observer members of ISO TC 176 represent developed countries, developing countries and countries with economies in transition from across the globe. This is of 75% of the 165 members of ISO.

Quality Management Systems standards provide the means by which organizations understand and address the needs and expectations of their customers and other interested parties and thereby ensure their long-term sustained success. This is not only key to the core “business” of all organizations; it also makes a major contribution to ISO’s wider objective “to facilitate the exchange of products and services through the elimination of technical barriers to trade”.

ISO/TC 176 establishes standards that include generic quality management system requirements that provide the foundations to build confidence in products and services delivered throughout the supply chain to organizations and people worldwide.