NationStates Jolt Archive

A proposal has been submitted by my Presidential Subcommitee on United Nations Proposal Generation regarding standardization of international equipment and metrics. Here is the full text for your review and dissection.

International Standardization
A resolution to reduce barriers to free trade and commerce.

Category: Free Trade
Strength: Significant
Proposed by: Arni

The world has existed too long without a standards agency. Although the Metric System has been passed, UN countries have not set international standards for many units, and industries in different countries continue to make objects to different measurements and standards. This costs the world economy billions of extraneous dollars every single year in unnecessary equipment costs, conversions, and lost time, as Widgets made in some countries cannot be used in many other countries.

The goals of this proposal are threefold:
1) A new Internation Standardization Agency will be formed with representation from all the United Nations member nations;
2) The goal of this agency shall be to set international metric standards for scientific measurements used in industry and science, such as defining what the second is or what the kilogram is, and set a timeline agreed upon by all nations for standardization. The Agency should NOT interfere in other units of measure, such as currencies.
3) This Agency shall also set standards for international equipment manufacture, electronics protocols, hardware interfaces, hardware measurements, et cetera, so that products from one country can be easily used in another.
All domestic legislation not in compliance with this Resolution is hereby repealed.

If you are a regional representative, your support of this proposal is greatly appreciated. Please post any questions here, and feel free to telegram me with any further concerns or comments.

I see nothing wrong with this proposal.

Unfortunately for you I'm not a regional delegate. :(

However, I will vote for it should it come up for a general UN member vote.

Standardization is wrong.

I tried to propose a more lengthly proposal on this topic before, but when I submitted it, it never got put in the queue for proposals so it kind of died in committee. I think I still have it saved on my computer. Anyway, I did post a copy here. I think the main argument was that in real life things are pretty standardized already. But since then it has dawned on me that this is NOT real life, and with tens of thousands of nations in NationStates, things must be pretty disorganized.

I do agree that a much more effective standardization proposal then the metric system one is in order though. If you want any information on this issue, you can look at http://www.itu.int/home/index.html for how this is done in real life.

After a short search, I did find an unedited copy of that proposal I failed in submitting before, if you want to steal anything from it.

My proposal:

The International Telecommunications Union will be established as an impartial, international organization within which governments and the private sector can work together to coordinate the operation of telecommunication networks and services and advance the development of communications technology. ITU's work will help create a global communications network which will integrate a huge range of technologies, yet hopefully remain one of the most reliable man-made systems ever developed.
As the use of telecommunication technology and radiocommunication-based systems spreads to encompass an ever-wider range of activities, the vital work carried out by ITU will take on growing importance in the day-to-day lives of people all around the world.
The Union's standardization activities will help foster the growth of technologies such as mobile telephony and the Internet, which are now being put to use in defining the building blocks of the emerging global information infrastructure, and designing advanced multimedia systems which deftly handle a mix of voice, data, audio and video signals.
Meanwhile, ITU's role in managing the radio-frequency spectrum will ensure that radio-based systems like cellular phones and pagers, aircraft and maritime navigation systems, scientific research stations, satellite communication systems and radio and television broadcasting all continue to function smoothly and provide reliable wireless services to the world's inhabitants.
Finally, ITU's role as a catalyst for forging development partnerships between government and private industry will help bring about rapid improvements in telecommunication infrastructure in the world's under-developed economies.
Whether in telecommunication development, standards-setting or spectrum sharing, ITU's consensus-building approach helps governments and the telecommunication industry confront and deal with a broad range of issues which would be difficult to resolve bilaterally.
The result is real-life, workable agreements which will benefit not only the telecommunication industry as a whole but, ultimately, telecommunication users everywhere.
Under the Resolution of the International Telecommunication Union, the purposes of ITU will be:
· To maintain and extend international cooperation between all the United Nation's Member States (individual nations making up the United Nations) for the improvement and rational use of telecommunications of all kinds.
· To promote participation of entities and organizations in the activities of the Union, and to foster fruitful cooperation and partnership between them and Member States for the fulfilment of the overall objectives embodied in the purposes of the Union.
· To promote and offer technical assistance to developing countries in the field of telecommunications, and also to promote the mobilization of the material, human and financial resources needed to improve access to telecommunications services in such countries.
· To promote the development of technical facilities and their most efficient operation, with a view to improving the efficiency of telecommunication services, increasing their usefulness and making them, so far as possible, generally available to the public.
· To promote the extension of the benefits of new telecommunication technologies to all the world's inhabitants.
· To promote the use of telecommunication services with the objective of facilitating peaceful relations.
· To harmonize the actions of Member States and promote fruitful and constructive cooperation and partnership between Member States and Sector States (companies within each nation that deal in telecommunications) in the attainment of those ends.
· To promote, at the international level, the adoption of a broader approach to the issues of telecommunications in the global information economy and society, by cooperating with other world and regional intergovernmental organizations and those non-governmental organizations concerned with telecommunications.

Standardization is wrong.
Please explain. I am willing to take criticism, but please back it up.

I did find an unedited copy of that proposal I failed in submitting before, if you want to steal anything from it.

Wow. I must say, I don't have that much time... er, I don't give my commitees that much time to write proposals! I do believe that it is a bit late now for editing the proposal, now that it has been submitted.
My goals are similar to yours, but I would like to standardize more than telecom. I would like something similar to ISO or IEEE to create industrial standards for things like photographic film, speaker cabling, computer interfaces (think USB 2.0 or IEEE 1394/Firewire), etc.

If you use anything at all in real life that is internationally standardized, and I am pretty sure you do if you are using a computer to read this comment, please give your support to my proposal.

We would support this proposal. It seems that it can only have positive effects for the world. And it would not cause nations to loose any part of their sovereignty. After all, what nation would define itself by the shape of the electronic ports on their hardware...

Office of the Governor

"All domestic legislation not in compliance with this Resolution is hereby repealed." Isn't this directly interfering with national sovereignty?

Also, how are nations supposed to come up with the funds to change things affected by standardization, and who is going to decide which system(s) of standards will be adopted?

Respectfully,
The FLOT

"All domestic legislation not in compliance with this Resolution is hereby repealed." Isn't this directly interfering with national sovereignty?

Also, how are nations supposed to come up with the funds to change things affected by standardization, and who is going to decide which system(s) of standards will be adopted?

Respectfully,
The FLOT

This is why there will universal representation at the Agency, and a majority of nations will decide which system to use and any time frames for implementation. I hope all nations will comply with this, because it is advantageous for their economic future to do so.
As for the 'domestic legislation not in compliance' clause... well... it IS pointless to have laws that contradict each other, isn't it? and every time a new resolution passes, don't you get a telegram saying as such anyway?

So.... basically it's do it my way or else?

"All domestic legislation not in compliance with this Resolution is hereby repealed." Isn't this directly interfering with national sovereignty?

Also, how are nations supposed to come up with the funds to change things affected by standardization, and who is going to decide which system(s) of standards will be adopted?

Respectfully,
The FLOT

Well yes, because the UN overrides national sovereignty. What ever the majority decide on is pretty much binding.



Oh and Arni, I think EVERYTHING Oppressed Possums says is tounge in cheek. You should take his one liners with a grain of salt.

"All domestic legislation not in compliance with this Resolution is hereby repealed." Isn't this directly interfering with national sovereignty?

Also, how are nations supposed to come up with the funds to change things affected by standardization, and who is going to decide which system(s) of standards will be adopted?

Respectfully,
The FLOT

Well yes, because the UN overrides national sovereignty. What ever the majority decide on is pretty much binding.



Oh and Arni, I think EVERYTHING Oppressed Possums says is tounge in cheek. You should take his one liners with a grain of salt.

Too much salt is bad for you...

Currently proposed... please consider

Terry Cook - PM Mondak

-------------------------------

Establish the ISO
A resolution to reduce barriers to free trade and commerce.


Category: Free Trade Strength: Strong Proposed by: Mondak
Description: The Commonwealth of Mondak sends Greetings and Recommends to fellow delegates and member States of the UN:

Establishment of the International Standards Organization

The ISO is a UN sponsored organization for the establishment of common standards and practices for international trade.

ISO (International Organization for Standardization) shall the world's developer of standards. Although ISO's principal activity is the development of technical standards, ISO standards also have important economic and social repercussions. The International Standards, which ISO develops, are very useful. ISO standards contribute to making the development, manufacturing and supply of products and services more efficient, safer and cleaner. ISO standards also serve to safeguard consumers and users in general, of products and services - as well as to make their lives simpler.

The ISO shall be a group of countries that voluntarily belong, contribute, and implementation ISO standards within their business community. While standards implementation is voluntary, implementation of ISO standards, if chosen to do so, is binding.

Membership in the ISO is non-exclusive of UN membership, and is strictly voluntary.

Benefits of the ISO

For governments, International Standards provide the technological and scientific bases underpinning health, safety and environmental legislation.

International Standards are the technical means by which political trade agreements can be put into practice.

For developing countries, International Standards that represent an international consensus on the state of the art constitute an important source of technological know-how.

For consumers, conformity of products and services to International Standards provides assurance about their quality, safety and reliability.

ISO and World Trade

The Agreement recognizes the important contribution that International Standards and conformity assessment systems can make to improving efficiency of production and facilitating international trade.

Therefore, where International Standards exist, the Code states that member States should use them as a basis for products they develop.


Approvals: 10 (MacPhoenix Apostacy, Stephistan, Ballotonia, Goobergunchia, Mondak, Thallos, Ruskatopia, Athamasha, Decepti0n, Hobosania)

Status: Lacking Support (requires 111 more approvals)

Voting Ends: Sat Sep 27 2003

The Commonwealth of Mondak has approved this proposal. [Withdraw Approval]

I don't think having anything standard really matters as long as you are consistent.

The principle behind this ISO proposal is the same, although I do wish that Mondak would have a bit more consideration and wait until my proposal goes around to submit it... but that's just me. maybe.
At any rate, if this proposal does not pass, I will wait a few more days and then repost it (if and after the ISO ends up dead as well). There's only a day left to vote...

I think of standardization as trying to put the square peg in the round hole.

I think of standardization as trying to put the square peg in the round hole.

But first you have to define what square and round are.

Standardization is wrong.
Please explain. I am willing to take criticism, but please back it up.

I believe what he means is that forced standardization is wrong. How about instead several nations form their own ISO, without forcing any other nations to join? (OOC: Have it be RPed on the forums) Kisnesia would be very willing to be a founding member of an ISO, and would also offer to host offices for such an organization in our nation.

The role of the UN is to bring about world peace and basic humanitairan aid, not to tell me how long a meter should be. If I want to know how long a meter should be, how about letting me have some input on the process instead of just a "yes" or "no" vote.

The principle behind this ISO proposal is the same, although I do wish that Mondak would have a bit more consideration and wait until my proposal goes around to submit it... but that's just me. maybe.
At any rate, if this proposal does not pass, I will wait a few more days and then repost it (if and after the ISO ends up dead as well). There's only a day left to vote...

Doesn't really matter anymore... one of my regional members has withdrawn their endorsement, as a result, we will be having a change of Delegate Representation for our area.

Arni - if your proposal dies, please feel free to use my content in a follow-up resolution. Please accept apologies, as I didn't mean to upstage your proposal, I found your proposal after filing mine...

Terry Cook - PM The Commonwealth of Mondak

Standardization is wrong.
Please explain. I am willing to take criticism, but please back it up.

I believe what he means is that forced standardization is wrong. How about instead several nations form their own ISO, without forcing any other nations to join? (OOC: Have it be RPed on the forums) Kisnesia would be very willing to be a founding member of an ISO, and would also offer to host offices for such an organization in our nation.

The role of the UN is to bring about world peace and basic humanitairan aid, not to tell me how long a meter should be. If I want to know how long a meter should be, how about letting me have some input on the process instead of just a "yes" or "no" vote.

I will most certainly consider this in a follow-up resolution

Mondak: No hard feelings at all! I have definitely found your proposal insightful, and will incorporate parts of it when I submit a follow-up proposal. I look forward to working with you on this follow-up proposal.

I might let this thread sit here for a while to draw attention to it... :)

Contents: Official Outsider Communication

###########Begin###############

Greetings to all Outsiders:

This great nation, brought forth by the Great One to enlighten human beings from their weaknesses, The Theocracy of Hewhocaresnot, rejects this obvious intrusion into our internal affairs. We cannot simply throw out nor set aside our 5, 10, and 20 year production quotas set by our Ministry of Commerce. We accept no foriegn goods or services within our borders. We do offer our excellent products for Outsiders to enjoy. We also, send out our great missionaries to enlighten Outsiders into the fold of the Church of Hewhocaresnot. (Contrary to what certain nations claim as to the intentions of our missionaries, they are not spies. They are goodwill missionaries.)

If this standardization comes into effect, The Theocracy of Hewhocaresnot, will be unable to export our superior wares. On the otherhand, if the world community wishes to donate funds to assist us in achieving this UN goal, then we would be for it. If the UN can guarantee us the necessary funds to standardize our factories, this would increase our influence in exporting fine quality goods to the world.

We will not be able to accept your so called advisers into our borders, because of certain past instances with spies trying to turn the good people of ours against their manifest destiny government. The Great One has delgated the Grand Bishop to decide the good of Hewhocaresnot, not the UN.

So in order to get our support, you must guarentee us with funds, nonrepayable loans, and favored nation trading placement with the large nations of the world.

Respectfully yours by the Great Church of Hewhocaresnot,

Cardinal Nathaniel West
Ministry of Outsider Relations

##############End#######################

This communication has been approved by the Internal Political Ministry of the Church of Hewhocaresnot, & the Office of Grand Bishop Drahcir Rekcaw.

Standardization is wrong.
Please explain. I am willing to take criticism, but please back it up.

Once you force the square peg into the round hole, it is no longer square...

That could even be to the point where no one really uses it except when forced.

Similarly, you still have a lot of square pegs that happy being square pegs.

Wars have been declared over less.

I will most certainly consider this in a follow-up resolution

Mondak: No hard feelings at all! I have definitely found your proposal insightful, and will incorporate parts of it when I submit a follow-up proposal. I look forward to working with you on this follow-up proposal.

I might let this thread sit here for a while to draw attention to it... :)

We can work together on this. For a proposal such as this to succeed, the key is to make it voluntary, not mandatory. As member states see the benefits of implementation, they will require trading partners to implement standards as a condition of conducting business.

By integrating ISO processes into their economies, individual states will update their laws as needed, the Agreement itself does not need to repeal any existing laws regarding regional or local standards processes and/or laws.

Terry Cook

I think we should reward diversity instead of forcing conformity.

No, you didn't read wrong, it is a new proposal proposal draft.

International Standardization
A resolution to reduce barriers to free trade and commerce.
Proposed jointly by Mondak and Arni

---proposal---
Establishment of the International Standards Organization (IOS)

The IOS will be a UN sponsored organization for the establishment of common standards and practices for international trade.

The mandate of the IOS will be as follows:

-The IOS shall define major units for world use, such as the definition of a meter or kilogram.
-The IOS shall the world's developer of standards for industrial and commercial components and protocols.
-The IOS shall be composed of representatives from countries that voluntarily belong, contribute, and implement IOS standards within their locale.
-Membership in the IOS is independent of UN membership, and is strictly voluntary. Although membership voluntary, it is to every country's economic advantage to produce standardized and interchangeable parts to be able to compete in the growing world market.
---end proposal---

---parts of the original ISO proposal which may be edited in---
Benefits of the ISO

Although the ISO's principal activity is the development of technical standards, ISO standards also have important economic and social repercussions. The International Standards which ISO develops are very useful. ISO standards contribute to making the development, manufacturing and supply of products and services more efficient, safer and cleaner. ISO standards also serve to safeguard consumers and users in general, of products and services - as well as to make their lives simpler.

For governments, International Standards provide the technological and scientific bases underpinning health, safety and environmental legislation.

International Standards are the technical means by which political trade agreements can be put into practice.

For developing countries, International Standards that represent an international consensus on the state of the art constitute an important source of technological knowhow.

For consumers, conformity of products and services to International Standards provides assurance about their quality, safety and reliability.

ISO and World Trade

The Resolution recognizes the important contribution that International Standards and conformity assessment systems can make to improving efficiency of production and facilitating international trade.

Therefore, where International Standards exist, the Code states that member States should use them as a basis for products they develop.
---end original ISO---

I didnt think ISO would be a very... kosher... name, since there is already one in real life. But then again, IOS is a trademark of Cisco Systems (its their router control operating system... like Internetwork OS or something. no idea.)

We live in a beautiful world, yeah we do yeah we do yeah we do... -Coldplay/Don't Panic

Interesting...

Every time we have proposed an extra-UN proposal, it has been deleted, and removed from discussion.

** Warning You Have SUPERUSER Access **

(editorial comment - war and anti-gay proposals, along with freedom to use P2P applications appear to be less of a threat to the UN resolution committee, it makes you wonder...)

In any event, it appears that extra-UN proposals have a tendency to die in committee, before delegates have a chance to approve or not. As soon as they are posted, they are deleted.

To Arni - to prevent conflicts with existing terms, let's rename this as IUS - International Union of Standardization. We should include ways and means of electronic communications, similar to real-world ITU and IETF organizations.

Again, the emphasis on voluntary, and should's rather than shall's - and a benefits statement should move us forward.

Mike Barnwell - Secretary - Standards Mondak

I see nothing wrong with the proposal. i will gladly vote "YES". 8)

pardon my ignorance, but what is an extra-un proposal?

we the nation of new christiania, find good reason to support the ISO. we believe that it would be indeed a benifit to our trade with the rest of the world. we do how ever question how effective the ISO will be? if it is to be strictly voluntary, then how effective can it be? will it only rely on the incentives that it will advantageous to the nations that join!

We just passed a metric standardization resolution in July (against our better judgement, I'd say).

Do your homework.

pardon my ignorance, but what is an extra-un proposal?

Exceeds the authority of the UN, and may usrurp UN resolutions. One threat is that members and non-members may align themselves with parallel organisations outside of the UN, and the mod-team has made itself known by killing these proposals before it can proceed.

Outside of the UN, we can still have a gentleman's agreement on how to proceed with both member and non-member states.

It's becoming clear that anything that exceeds the UN's authority is strictly verboten...

Terry Cook - PM Mondak

we the nation of new christiania, find good reason to support the ISO. we believe that it would be indeed a benifit to our trade with the rest of the world. we do how ever question how effective the ISO will be? if it is to be strictly voluntary, then how effective can it be? will it only rely on the incentives that it will advantageous to the nations that join!

This is the gist of where the IOS is coming from.

While the UN is focused on governmental issues, organisations such as the IOS/ISU and such focus on infrastructure issues, establishing baselines on how all members of NS work together.

<comment>This apparently is a significant change to the gaming structure that is NS, and as such is as much against the rules as making war and the like as far as the UN is concerned</comment>

Terry Cook - PM Mondak