The 2nd RAST Conference, held on October 14 at the Brdo Congress Centre, once again demonstrated that standards are key to shaping a safe, quality, and sustainable future. Experts and representatives from various industries discussed how artificial intelligence and other new technologies are transforming our world and the role that international standards play in this process.
The world is rapidly evolving, especially in the fields of artificial intelligence and innovation. However, without appropriate standards, it is impossible to ensure safety, quality, and sustainable development. Standards help product manufacturers and service providers ensure that new technologies are not only beneficial but also safe and reliable for all users.
World Standards Day and its Connection to the Conference
With the RAST Conference, SIST also commemorated World Standards Day, which this year is dedicated to the importance of artificial intelligence for industry, innovation, and infrastructure. Artificial intelligence contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG 9), and standards are crucial in this regard, as they provide requirements for the implementation of new technologies, ensuring that these technologies are introduced safely, reliably, and sustainably in practice.
At the conference, SIST focused on how standards can help shape a future where artificial intelligence, sustainability, and innovation operate harmoniously for the benefit of users. SIST concluded that establishing safe, quality, and sustainable solutions is essential, and standards are vital in this process.
Award for Lifetime Achievement
An important part of this year's conference was the presentation of the award for lifetime achievement. This year, SIST honored Vesna Stražišar, who has left a profound mark on the history of the Slovenian Institute for Standardization, and Slovenian standardization as a whole, through her exceptional work. Due to her dedication and commitment, Slovenia met the conditions for full membership in the European Standardization organizations, CEN and CENELEC, enabling the alignment of Slovenian standards with European ones and paving the way for Slovenia’s inclusion in the European Union.
Vesna Stražišar has significantly contributed to harmonizing legislation, creating effective cooperation systems, and developing materials that SIST still uses today through her pioneering work in standardization. Although she was unable to attend the conference, her proactivity and commitment to quality, safety, and innovation remain the foundation on which SIST builds the future.
Looking Ahead
With positive impressions and experiences from this year’s RAST Conference, SIST is already thinking about next year and the 3rd RAST Conference when they will raise awareness of the importance of standards with even greater enthusiasm, focusing on their effective implementation in various sectors and the safe and responsible use of future technologies.
SIST sincerely thanks everyone who supported them with their presence and contributions at the conference. With your support, they can be even better and continue to co-create a safe and sustainable future for all.
SIST looks forward to seeing you next year at the RAST Conference 2025!
