“International standards are not just technical rules, but the foundation for creating free and fair trade that builds trust, unites people, and ultimately serves the cause of peace and prosperity throughout the world.” This important and inspiring thesis was voiced in the speech of Miles Hansen, President and CEO of the Sterling Foundation (USA), at the plenary session of the International Conference “Quality Assurance in Accordance with International Standards in Turkmenistan” (QACIS-2025), which opened on April 29 in Ashgabat.

At the beginning of his speech, Miles Hansen expressed deep gratitude to the Government of Turkmenistan and the organizers of the conference – the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and TurkmenExpo – for the high level of preparation of the event and the opportunity to gather leading world experts to discuss such pressing issues. He also stressed the symbolism of holding the conference in Ashgabat, the "city of love", in a country that has once again shown itself to be a supporter of diplomacy by proposing to declare 2025 the International Year of Peace and Trust.

Moving on to the essence of his report, the head of the Sterling Foundation called on conference participants to look at the broader strategic picture in which modern enterprises and organizations have to operate. In the context of growing geopolitical tensions, aggravating environmental challenges and social discord, international standards, according to him, serve as an excellent example of the technical cooperation the world needs.

Miles Hansen emphasized that successful international business, trade and investment are, by their very nature, collaborative activities that can build trust as the parties involved in such interactions benefit from each other. Cooperation in developing and maintaining international standards creates a robust framework for free and fair trade, leading to better outcomes for both business and individual countries, and ultimately for world peace. To illustrate the relevance of his thesis, he cited the words of National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, on the modern challenges that characterize our era, and the wise Turkmen proverb: “Wars are not won,” noting that the number of conflicts in the world is increasing while the level of cooperation is declining.

Miles Hansen presented three important principles, adapted from the wisdom of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, that can serve as effective guidance for both successful business and for building a more prosperous and peaceful world:

Strictly comply with international law, including international standards. Always take into account the interests of your partners, following the universal principle of "Win-Win". Actively support international organizations that create and strengthen the framework of international law and standards, promoting peace and cooperation (as examples of such organizations, he mentioned the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan and TurkmenExpo).

He noted that the "Win-Win" approach, widely popularized by the famous American business leader Stephen Covey in his book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People", is applicable to absolutely all aspects of business, including interaction in the field of international standards, and its consistent application inevitably leads to success.

Speaking about his organization, the Sterling Foundation, Miles Hansen emphasized that their foundation, financed by successful businessmen who work according to these principles, cooperates only with those organizations around the world that also adhere to these true principles. As their many years of experience show, doing business based on these high principles not only contributes to world peace, but is also beneficial for the business itself, bringing the best results to both shareholders and ordinary people around the world.

In conclusion, the head of the Sterling Foundation noted that although there will be many technical discussions about specific standards ahead of the conference participants, it is extremely important to remember: by working to correct and implement technical aspects for the prosperity of industry and business, we thereby make a tangible and significant contribution to supporting cooperation and collaboration in the world. This helps to really implement the goals of 2025 as the Year of Peace and Trust and actively participate in building a brighter and more prosperous future for the whole world.

ORIENT