From left: Jo Cops (IEC President), Henna Saarnikoski (Communications Manager, SESKO), Markus Ahvenus (IEC CAB member), Jafar Keshvari (IEC CAB alternate member)
Picture by: Sami Siilin Photorgraphy
Place and time of interview: Helsinki Music Center, 26.3.2025 at SESKO’s 60th Anniversary Seminar and Dinner
The role of conformity assessment in a changing world
Jo Cops, the President of the IEC, emphasizes that the future of conformity assessment must be grounded in collaboration and inclusivity. In a world marked by political tensions and technological change, Cops believes the IEC’s unique position allows it to foster international cooperation across borders and cultures. He highlights the importance of working together across diverse industries and sectors to create standards that are globally recognized and accessible.
Cops envisions a future where the boundaries between standard development and conformity assessment are erased, a concept he champions through the “One IEC” initiative. By breaking down these silos, the IEC can respond faster and more effectively to global needs. “We are the only organization that combines both standards development and conformity assessment,” he says, underscoring the organization’s ability to address challenges holistically.
Looking ahead, Cops sees emerging technologies, especially artificial intelligence, as pivotal in shaping the IEC’s work. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into various sectors, the IEC’s capacity to incorporate these technologies into its standards and assessment processes will be crucial for ensuring responsible, ethical development. The continued engagement of smaller countries, like Finland, in these global efforts is also a priority, as their participation helps strengthen the standards framework and boosts their industries’ competitiveness.
Navigating global trade barriers
Markus Ahvenus, a re-elected member of the IEC CAB, provides a practical perspective on the role of conformity assessment in harmonizing global trade. Ahvenus stresses that a globally accepted certification process is key to reducing trade barriers, enabling seamless international commerce. In his view, one unified conformity assessment system would eliminate the need for separate trade barriers, benefiting manufacturers, consumers, and the global market.
He also highlights the growing importance of manufacturers in the standardization process. Traditionally, national authorities and inspection institutes played a significant role in developing standards, but today, manufacturers are driving many of the discussions. Ahvenus points out that this shift brings new challenges, particularly in ensuring that standards are feasible and effective in real-world applications. The need for closer integration between the IEC’s technical committees and conformity assessment efforts is more pressing than ever.
Ahvenus advocates for a synchronized approach to standard development, where conformity assessment is considered from the outset, not added as an afterthought. This alignment, he believes, is critical to developing standards that are both technically robust and practical for implementation.
Strengthening the bridge between technical standards and conformity assessment
Jafar Keshvari, newly nominated as the alternate member of Finland in the IEC CAB, brings a wealth of experience in both technical research and industry. Keshvari’s primary goal is to strengthen the bridge between technical standardization committees and the broader conformity assessment processes. Drawing from his extensive background, particularly in the fields of telecommunications and renewable energy, Keshvari aims to ensure that standards are not only innovative but also actionable in real-world contexts.
For Keshvari, the role of conformity assessment is critical in providing a broader understanding of how technologies interact with standards across various sectors. He envisions a more integrated approach where technical committees and conformity assessment bodies collaborate from the start, ensuring that standards are both relevant and enforceable. He also advocates for greater engagement with governments and regulatory bodies to raise awareness about the importance of conformity assessment in supporting sustainable development, especially in Finland and Europe.
Reflecting on his career, Keshvari is enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to Finland’s continued leadership in global standardization efforts. With his focus on bridging technical and regulatory perspectives, Keshvari is poised to drive positive change in the IEC, ensuring that its standards are practical, reliable, and globally accepted.
A unified vision for the future of conformity assessment
The collective insights from Jo Cops, Markus Ahvenus, and Jafar Keshvari underscore a unified vision for the future of conformity assessment within the IEC. By emphasizing collaboration, breaking down barriers between technical and conformity assessment work, and incorporating emerging technologies, these leaders are shaping a future where global trade is more efficient, standards are more practical, and the benefits of conformity assessment are understood and valued across industries and governments.
As the IEC continues to navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving world, these leaders are committed to ensuring that the organization remains a beacon of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, setting the stage for a more interconnected and sustainable global economy.
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