IEC celebrates 200th birth anniversary of founding president, Lord Kelvin at 88th Annual General Meeting

Edinburgh, Scotland and Geneva, Switzerland - 18th October -- Business, industry and technology leaders from around the world are joining technology experts in Edinburgh next week for the International Electrotechnical Commission's (IEC) 88th Annual General Meeting (GM). This year, over 1,200 participants representing more than 90 countries are taking part in person, with approximately 450 more expected to attend remotely. They will discuss new and innovative ways to solve specific environmental, social, and governance challenges using international standards and conformity assessment. The British Standards Institution (BSI), the UK's national standards body and UK National Committee of the IEC, is hosting the 2024 IEC General Meeting.<_o3a_p>

Taking place 21- 25th October, at this year's GM, the delegates will focus on how best to facilitate the transition to a connected and all-electric society through standards and conformity assessment, where various sectors like energy, industrial production, healthcare, and mobility would be electrified and digitized to deliver more economic opportunity for everyone. Based on worldwide access to affordable, renewable and sustainable energy, a digitally connected society will harness technologies like artificial intelligence to help energy infrastructures decarbonize efficiently.<_o3a_p>

"This year marks the 200th birth anniversary of Lord Kelvin, the founding president of the IEC. It is quite fitting, therefore, that our General Meeting this year is in Scotland where Kelvin lived and worked for most of his life as a renowned physicist, engineer and mathematician. I look forward to the gathering of global leaders and experts during this annual meeting. In the historic city of Edinburgh, we will decide together how we can enable an all-electric and connected society". - Jo Cops, IEC President<_o3a_p>

<_o3a_p> "International standards and conformity assessment are powerful tools that can help governments to implement policies more efficiently and to reach development goals more quickly. The IEC General Meeting is an important appointment for building a better future, where everyone has access to clean and sustainable energy and where technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum can be leveraged for the benefit of humankind". - Philippe Metzger, IEC Secretary-General.<_o3a_p>

In addition to the official IEC programme, BSI is organizing a series of topical sessions covering four thematic areas of focus: <_o3a_p>

• City-to-City Exchange - Exploring how today's cities are advancing in circularity, interconnectivity, security and sustainability.<_o3a_p>

• AI Technology & Standards Summit - Exploring the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence.<_o3a_p>

• Quantum Technology Symposium - Exploring how Quantum technology can be deployed for good.<_o3a_p>

• Enabling a Net Zero Future - Exploring how standards support our journey to Net Zero.<_o3a_p>

A highlight of the GM will be the first-ever IEC Community Symposium, which will be streamed live on YouTube. Distinguished experts from both developing and developed countries will explore best practices, opportunities and the challenges of integrating renewable energy into the electricity grid.<_o3a_p>

"Technology has immense potential to transform lives for the better and be a force for good. Building trust in new technologies needs coordination and collaboration to shape the standards and assurance that will bring public acceptability and economic success. We are delighted be hosting this year's IEC General Meeting where we will showcase the role of international standards for industry, academia, government and the public to debate the risks and opportunities of our global transition to an all-electric and connected society." - Scott Steedman, Director-General, Standards at BSI.<_o3a_p>

<_o3a_p> "Standards and conformity assessment have never been more important in the global transition to an all-electric and connected society. We want to showcase how they can accelerate positive change and deliver a real impact for the electrotechnical, electronic and data-driven industries, paving the way to a more sustainable, zero carbon future through electrification and digitalization." - Rodney Turtle, President of the UK National Committee of the IEC.<_o3a_p>

<_o3a_p> Lord Kelvin was an early advocate of wind power and firmly believed that "the life and soul of science is in its practical application", which can be used for the benefit of humanity. The IEC remains steadfast in continuing his legacy, and in driving the impact of technology for a better, more inclusive and sustainable world. With its 118-year-old heritage, global community, and consensus-based platform, IEC is uniquely positioned to support this positive change and to help enable a more sustainable future.<_o3a_p>

For more information or to register to attend, visit IEC General meeting website.<_o3a_p>

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