Improving Global Quality of Life

Foreword
Dr Baldev Raj Mr Chris Smallbone Dr Mustafa Koçak
Since being founded in 1948, the now 56 Member Country International Institute of Welding (IIW)
has focused on helping all industries which utilise welding as an enabling technology, as well as
organisations, governments and academia to improve the quality of life in all countries of the world
through enhanced weld quality, design and performance of welded structures while reducing the cost of the
fabrication, improving safety and ensuring environmental sustainability.
Innovation in joining and welding sciences and technologies has been creating significant contributions to
the improvements in performance and safety of welded structures operating under challenging conditions.
It has also led to reduced environmental impact of the fabrication process and improved working conditions
of the welding personnel.
The impact on global quality of life through the application of appropriate welding technologies in countries
with emerging economies and economies in transition can be enormous with respect to safety, productivity
and enhancing competence in vital technologies. Guiding principles for IIW Members include the sharing of
knowledge to enable technology diffusion, networking and the promotion of welding education, training,
Gluing
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qualification and certification of people throughout the regions of the world to help nations improve
everyday life of their people.
Our Institute believes that best practices are rarely enough to create lasting value and that positive change
requires new insights and vision into welding and joining technologies and markets found in both the
developed and emerging world.
The concept for this paper originated with Mr Chris Smallbone during his term as IIW President 2005-2008,
and was then developed by Dr Mustafa Koçak and Mr Smallbone, with the input and support of over 60
experts from around the world. I express my gratitude and appreciation to Mr Chris Smallbone, Dr Mustafa
Koçak and all the experts for their time, efforts and vision.
IIW believes that this White Paper can contribute to the development of a vision for a sustainable future
of our globe and all its citizens. The tangible benefits of this paper could include attracting bright young
persons to careers in welding science and technology, inspiring professionals and generating a framework
for policy makers to strengthen and enhance welding science and technology for meeting national and
global challenges.
Dr Baldev Raj
IIW President 2011-2014
Through Optimum Use and Innovation of Welding and Joining Technologies
Improving Global Quality of Life
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