Global standards organizations ASTM International and the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) have signed a memorandum of cooperation (MOC) to promote collaboration in initiatives that advance public health and safety.
The MOC relates directly to water sanitation and hygiene in Indonesia, the Philippines, and other selected member nations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). ASTM International President Katharine Morgan signed the document with IAPMO CEO GP Russ Chaney.
“We are excited to work closely with IAPMO to advance health and safety initiatives in Southeast Asia and with member nations of ASEAN,” Morgan said. “We look forward to working together to promote the utilization of ASTM standards for water sanitation and hygiene programs in the region.”
The MOC will promote efficiency, economy, and technical advancement in the drafting and updating of referenced content in national technical regulations and related codes for water, sanitation, and hygiene by minimizing duplication and advancing the technical application of globally relevant and current codes and standards.
“Standards are essential tools in helping countries address their water and sanitation challenges,” Chaney said. “When implemented appropriately they are vital to helping local industries and international trade to grow. We are very excited to be partnering with ASTM and look forward to what we can accomplish together in this important effort.”
By signing the MOC, ASTM and IAPMO have agreed to the following:
- Collaboratively advancing the incorporation of IAPMO model codes and ASTM International standards cited in the IAPMO codes in the national technical regulations and related codes of Indonesia and the Philippines, as well as other member nations of ASEAN;
- Increasing technical capacity and encouraging sustainable solutions for water, sanitation, and hygiene based on IAPMO codes and ASTM standards, and;
- Mutually promoting greater awareness of IAPMO and ASTM International in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and ASEAN workshops, meetings and venues.
Activities promoted by the MOC will directly relate to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #6 on clean water and sanitation.
Source: IAPMO
