We stand for a better world
Towards a meaningful economy
The last few decades have seen a huge expansion of trade volumes and the
emergence of a new model for trading products,the global value chains. Sustainability standards, which have also seen a tremendous uptake, offer an innovative framework for more inclusiveness in trade, and more respect of people and the environment.
Our solution to the problem
Standards Map: a roadmap to sustainable production, consumption and trade
Standards Map presents in-depth information on over 300 voluntary sustainability standards, applicable to sectors including agriculture, textile and garments, consumer products, forestry, mining and services. They are active in 192 countries and sorted across 1650 criteria.
A trusted source of information
The United Nations is in partnership with over 300 standard-setting organizations, private companies and governments who work together to provide transparent, credible information to ensure that economic actors take informed decisions when transitioning towards sustainable, production and trade.
Our story
Standards Map was launched in 2011 by the International Trade Center, an agency of the United Nations. It followed on the wave of the creation of new standards during the past decade, reflected their evolutions, showing their wide application in different economic sectors, and explained their contribution within the broader context of global trade and development. The wealth of information comprised in the Standards Map has also been a catalyst for innovative programs and collaborations.