IEC News Release – 2011 World Electronics Forum: IEC President addresses electronics leaders from around the world

Geneva, Switzerland, 2011-01-24 – More than 65 leaders representing electronics associations from all continents attended the 16th Annual WEF (World Electronics Forum), 8-10 January 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Hosted by the CEA® (Consumer Electronics Association), WEF coincided with the 2011 International CES®, the world’s largest tradeshow for consumer technology, which ran 6-9 January in Las Vegas.

WEF delegates, representing 30 associations from 22 countries, participated in a breakfast session on Sunday 9 January featuring addresses from Jacques Régis, President, IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission); Noel Lee, founder and president, Monster Cable and CEA’s Chief Economist Shawn DuBravac.

In his presentation, Jacques Régis outlined how globally relevant specifications and metrics, combined with consistent conformity assessment, allow electronics manufacturers to reach many more markets, including major development markets, faster and at lesser cost. He explained why the IEC was founded in 1906 to stimulate the development of the electrical industry through common terminology, metrics and symbols. Today most of the 164 countries that participate in the World Trade Organization rely on IEC International Standards in their technical laws and regulations. He concluded that CEOs should have more than a passing interest in standards as they increasingly dictate access to global markets and allow them to build products that are accepted worldwide.

Delegates were interested to hear that any company can provide comments on any IEC International Standard as long as those are scientifically or technically sound. Participation in IEC standardization work is open to all companies, no matter their size, via their National Committee.

Following the breakfast session, delegates toured the International CES show floor to experience the innovative products on display from more than 2 700 global technology companies. The 2011 WEF Forum concluded on Monday 10 January, following a day-long session focused on doing business in the ever-changing global economy.
About WEF

Founded in 1995, WEF is an informal gathering of CEOs and directors from global electronics associations that meet annually to discuss major topics of interest to the worldwide electronics industry. Key topics discussed during the 2011 WEF included environmentally sustainable technology practices, social responsibility and free trade policies.

The 2012 World Electronics Forum will take place in the Philippines in the spring of 2012 and will be hosted by the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Inc. (SEIPI).

For more information about the World Electronics Forum, visit www.WEFonline.org.
About IEC

The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) is the world’s leading organization that prepares and publishes International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies – collectively known as “electrotechnology”. It brings together 162 countries and close to 10 000 experts.

IEC International Standards include globally relevant specifications and metrics that allow electric or electronic devices to work efficiently and safely with each other anywhere in the world. IEC work covers a vast range of technologies from power generation, transmission and distribution to home appliances and office equipment, semiconductors, fibre optics, batteries, nanotechnology, renewable energy, to mention just a few. The IEC also manages Conformity Assessment Systems that certify that equipment, systems or components conform to its International Standards.
www.iec.ch

About CEA

The CEA (Consumer Electronics Association) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the USD 186 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2 000 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES – The Global Stage for Innovation. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA’s industry services.
Find CEA online at www.CE.org