Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
The Working Party on Regulatory Cooperation and Standardization Policies (WP.6) promotes regulatory cooperation, standardization policies and activities which contribute towards reducing technical barriers to trade, while lowering efficiently managing risk, promoting sustainable development in its all dimensions including gender equality, climate and environmental protection and adaptation to new technologies.
WP.6 has several subgroups and initiatives that meet at least annually. The official annual meetings of these groups have all been brought together during the same week to form a WP.6 Forum and will be marked by conferences of each group on the theme of digital, green transformation.
7 April 2025 (afternoon)
On-line only
The ad hoc team of specialists on Standardization And Regulatory Techniques (START Team) was established in 1999 to support initiatives following the guidance of Recommendation L on the International Model for Transnational Regulatory Cooperation Based on Good Regulatory Practice. Several initiatives have been launched and developed common regulatory arrangements for products such as earth moving machinery, equipment for explosive environments, telecom and cybersecurity.
A common regulatory arrangement is currently underway on pipeline security for hydrogen and another has been recently accomplished on products with embedded artificial intelligence.
During this meeting, the group will take stock of the accomplishments over the past quarter century and prepare its final report in view of the group’s closure.
8 April 2025 (morning)
Geneva, H-building 207-209 of the Palais des Nations, hybrid meeting
The Team of Specialists on Gender-Responsive Standards was established in 2022, following the initiative of the same name which had begun in 2016. This Team aims at providing a practical way forward for standards bodies wishing to take a step towards gender equality through the standards they develop and their standards development process. WP.6 also seeks to provide a forum for interested parties to come together to collaboratively develop expertise and guidance which can be shared.
This hybrid meeting for the 3rd annual meeting aims to showcase best practices in gender-responsive standards and the development of relevant gender action plans.
A gender perspective on standards for artificial intelligence
8 April 2025 (afternoon)
Geneva, H-building 207-209 of the Palais des Nations and virtual connection possible
As artificial intelligence is expanding rapidly, there is an urgent need to ensure that the most vulnerable are not neglected or rendered further invisible. The databases which inform many artificial intelligence algorithms have unconscious biases which can be harmful to women. The discussions and presentations will articulate guidance which is necessary in this field.
9 April 2025 (morning)
Geneva, Palais des Nations H-building 207-209, hybrid meeting
The Advisory Group on Market Surveillance (MARS) was established in 2003 to promote global trade and economic cooperation. The Group brings together all players involved (public authorities, manufacturers, retailers, importers, consumers, etc.) to increase transparency and attract attention to the role and responsibilities of public authorities in the chain of control. It has developed comprehensive guidance and serves as a forum of best practice and development of recommendation guidelines.
This hybrid meeting for the 23rd annual meeting aims to showcase best practices in market surveillance approaches.
Challenges and opportunities of regulating products with embedded artificial intelligence
9 April 2024 (afternoon)
Geneva, H-building 207-209 of the Palais des Nations and virtual connection possible
The evolution in technology may change the way that market surveillance and associated regulatory procedures are conducted. This conference will look at current trends and the challenges and opportunities of regulating products with embedded artificial intelligence. Specific focus will centre on the common regulatory arrangement on products with embedded artificial intelligence.
10 April 2025 (morning)
Geneva, Palais des Nations H-building 207-209, hybrid meeting
The Group of Experts on Risk Management in Regulatory Systems (GRM) was established in 2010 and meets regularly to advance projects and knowledge sharing on risk management in regulatory frameworks and international trade. The Group of Experts aims at an improved management of hazards that have the potential to affect the quality of products and services, and/or cause harm or damage to people, the environment, property and immaterial assets. To this end, it systematizes and applies best practice on risk management in regulatory activities and international trade.
This hybrid meeting for the 15th annual meeting will zoom in on integrated risk management strategies and how this could be optimized when associated, for example, by a national single window.
Improving quality infrastructure processes with applied use of artificial intelligence
10 April 2025 (afternoon)
Geneva, H-building 207-209 of the Palais des Nations and virtual connection possible
This conference will consider how artificial intelligence could potentially help improve or eventually revolutionize processes in quality infrastructure (metrology, standardization, market surveillance, conformity assessment, accreditation, risk management).
11 April 2025 (morning)
Geneva, Palais des nations H-building 207-209, hybrid meeting
The START-Ed Initiative was established by the decision of the Working Party in November 2012. The START-Ed Initiative has the following two major tasks: (1) Promotion of standards-awareness in the educational establishments including elaboration of module programme on standardization, (2) Assisting in sharing best practices in teaching standards to different audiences.