ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is a non-governmental organization that develops and publishes standards for various industries and sectors worldwide. These standards aim to promote quality, safety, efficiency, and interoperability in products and services. ISO is recognized as the world's largest developer of voluntary international standards, with members from over 160 countries participating in its development and maintenance. ISO standards cover a wide range of topics, including quality management, environmental management, information technology, energy management, and many others. They are widely used by organizations to ensure that their products and services meet the highest standards of quality and safety, and to gain a competitive advantage in the global marketplace.