Podcast Episode 8: Bridging AI Policy and Standards

Guest: Cindy Parokkil (AI Policy Lead at ISO)

Description: In this episode, hosts Adam Leon Smith DEng FBCS and Michael Mainelli welcome Cindy Parokkil ISO’s AI Policy Lead and Head of the Standards and Public Policy Programme, for an insightful discussion on the critical role of international standards in connecting AI policy ambitions with practical implementation. Drawing on her experience at the United Nations, BSI, and ISO, Cindy explores how standards help organisations and governments translate high-level AI principles into real-world governance frameworks, risk management processes, and operational tools.

The conversation examines the landmark Seoul Statement from ISO, IEC, and ITU, including its focus on socio-technical approaches to AI, human rights, multi-stakeholder collaboration, and capacity building. Cindy also shares insights into the work of ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 42, efforts to broaden participation in AI standards development, and how countries around the world are using standards to support trustworthy AI governance and national AI strategies.