Meet the 2024 IEC Young Professional leaders

Left to right: Luiz Ferraro (Brazil), Fatoumata Sangare (France) and Majid Binzawbaa (UAE).

The IEC Young Professionals (YPs) have chosen three leaders to represent them over the next 12 months. The election took place during the IEC General Meeting in Edinburgh, where around 100 YPs from 50 countries had the opportunity to learn more about IEC standardization and conformity assessment.<_o3a_p>

The YP leaders will coordinate work on different aspects of standardization, based on three projects identified during the week-long YP workshop at the GM. The IEC YP Leaders for 2024 are Luiz Ferraro, an electrical engineer and occupational safety specialist from Brazil, Majid Binzawbaa, an electrical engineer and account manager from the United Arab Emirates, and Fatoumata Sangare, a cyber security expert from France.<_o3a_p>

Luiz said: "To build a better future, we must use standards, but many people are unaware of these standards and without awareness, they won't be applied. Different ages require different approaches. I propose creating a file about standards and having various age groups translate it for younger audiences. For example, 10-year-olds could translate it for 6-year-olds. This way, children can grow up knowing about standards".<_o3a_p>

Majid said: "I've been inspired by this incredible cohort and the potential we have to achieve something remarkable together. As YP Leader, I aim to drive initiatives that benefit the IEC in the long term while providing YPs with opportunities for personal growth, strong professional connections, and meaningful recognition. <_o3a_p>

"I have a project in mind that will set new benchmarks and create lasting impact, empowering YPs to leave a legacy within the IEC community. Let's embark on a journey where we have fun, make a real difference, and celebrate each other's contributions along the way". <_o3a_p>

Fatoumata said: "As lawyer, without technical training, standards allowed me to use my skills to carry out conformity assessment and cyber security project management. My aim is to give back to standardization what it has given me. I therefore intend to put my skills at the service of the YP programme and the IEC more generally, to lead a group project - including men and women - to raise awareness of young people challenges and women empowerment."<_o3a_p>

IEC Young Professionals Programme<_o3a_p>

At the end of their mandate, the three leaders will attend the next YP workshop at the 2025 IEC GM in India, where they will support the incoming group of young professionals.<_o3a_p>

Since its launch in 2010, the IEC Young Professionals Programme has offered a platform for the next generation of experts to contribute to standardization and conformity assessment and bring a new perspective to the IEC community. The GM provides an opportunity for YPs to meet and engage with industry leaders, standardization experts and IEC officers. <_o3a_p>

Get involved!<_o3a_p>

If you would like to take part next year, contact your IEC National Committee to find out about the YP selection process. You can read more about the IEC YP Programme here. <_o3a_p>