The Future of Trust: AI, Energy Transition, and the Power of the Standards User – A Conversation with Philip Metzger Secretary General and CEO of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)

The Future of Trust: AI, Energy Transition, and the Power of the Standards User – A Conversation with Philip Metzger Secretary General and CEO of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)

In this episode, we go behind the scenes of the "hidden infrastructure" that powers our global economy. IFAN welcomes Philip Metzger, Secretary General and CEO of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), to discuss how international standards are evolving to meet the challenges of 2026 and beyond. As the world shifts toward an all-electric and connected society, Philip explores the critical intersection of technology, policy, and human safety. We dive deep into: * Responsible AI: Moving beyond technical specs to address the socio-technical responsibilities of artificial intelligence. * Climate Action: How standards are turning climate commitments into measurable actions through green hydrogen, carbon footprint verification, and the Global Impact Fund. * Geopolitics & Security: The role of standards in building resilient supply chains and maintaining national security in a fragmenting world. * Bridging the Gap: How the IEC is supporting emerging economies and ensuring digitalization reduces global inequality rather than increasing it. * The User’s Voice: Why standards users and organizations like IFAN are the most vital stakeholders in ensuring international standards remain practical, relevant, and authoritative.

Mr. Alton Sanders (Boeing): The User Perspective on Safety, Standards, and Digital Transformation in Aerospace”

What does it take to make standards truly work in high-stakes industries like aerospace? In this episode, we speak with Alton Sanders (Boeing), a leading expert in standards management with over 40 years of experience. From aircraft safety to digital transformation, Alton shares how standards shape every aspect of aerospace engineering—often in ways that are invisible but mission-critical. He explains why even the smallest components can have major consequences, and how better-designed standards directly improve quality, safety, and efficiency. The conversation also explores a key shift facing industries worldwide: the move from traditional document-based standards to structured, digital data. As engineering systems become more advanced, standards must evolve to remain usable, reliable, and relevant.  In this episode, you’ll learn: * Why standards are fundamental to safety in aerospace * How user experience can make or break a standard * The real challenges of applying standards in practice * Why digital standards are the future—and what’s at stake

Standards and Innovation: Why Users Matter in a Global System. A conversation with Dr. Laurie E. Locascio, ANSI President

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Laurie E. Locascio, President and CEO of the American National Standards Institute, about how standards enable innovation and global collaboration. We explore the critical role of standards users, the importance of measurement science, and how the standards system is evolving in the age of emerging technologies.

Standards in Action: Matthew Sexton of BMI UK & Ireland on Why the User Voice Matters in Construction

In this episode of the IFAN Podcast, we speak with Matthew Sexton, Technical and Compliance Director at BMI UK & Ireland and a member of the IFAN Board. Matthew works at the intersection of industry, safety, and standards, dealing daily with the practical application of construction product and fire performance standards across the UK and European markets. Beyond using standards, Matthew actively helps shape them. He serves on several technical panels and chairs key committees, including the BSI committee responsible for external fire performance of roofs and the Construction Products Association Technical Committee. In this conversation, Matthew shares insights from the front line of standards implementation, discussing: • Why the voice of standards users is essential  • How industry experience improves the quality of standards  • The real challenges of applying standards in the construction sector  • Why more companies should engage in the standards development process This episode highlights the importance of bringing practical industry experience into global standardization, ensuring that standards remain relevant, effective, and trusted.

Connecting Technology and Standards: A Conversation with HP’s Muhammad Ali

Muhamad Ali from HP Inc. shares how standards support innovation, interoperability, and global market access in the technology sector. Discover why the voice of standards users is essential in shaping effective international standards.