Its primary function is to develop a single worldwide program of conformity assessment which reduces risk for businesses and their customers by assuring them that accredited certificates and validation and verification statements may be relied upon.
An efficient and effective quality and standards infrastructure, underpinned by accreditation, is key to a country’s growth, as well as being essential in creating a safer, cleaner, and more equitable and well-integrated world.
Accreditation is a critical element in promoting and sustaining economic development as well as environmental and social well-being, as it provides confidence in metrology, standardization, and conformity assessment (which comprises testing, calibration, inspection, and certification).
For governments, it provides a mechanism to support relevant trade and industrial policies and ensures enforcement of mandatory technical regulations.
Accreditation is closely linked to the United Nations' goals of promotion of sustainable development, to protection of human rights, and advancing economic prosperity.
Maintaining strategic partnerships and technical cooperation, together with the use of standards and compliance-related activities, forms an important part of UNIDO’s approach.
The relationship between UNIDO, the IAF and ILAC aims to enhance the impact of industrial development on economic growth and achieving the SDGs.
The terms of reference, tasks and duties as defined by the Bylaws and the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) remain unchanged for the members at a General Meeting, the Board of Directors and the Secretary.