Family Federation Secures 2 ISO Certifications

Family Federation becomes the first religious organization in South Korea to obtain certification for two internationally recognized management standards

On 14^th May 2026, reporter Shin Dong-rip (신동립) of the South Korean online newspaper The Report (더리포트) published an article announcing that the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, in Korea often referred to as Unificationism (통일교), had become the first religious organization in South Korea to obtain integrated certification for two internationally recognized management standards: ISO 37001 and ISO 37301. The development was presented by the religious organization as a significant milestone in its effort to strengthen transparency, institutional accountability, and public trust at a time when religious organizations in South Korea are increasingly expected to demonstrate high standards of governance and ethical conduct.

See also Statement on Principles of Political Neutrality

See also Is It Civic Education or Political Involvement?

See also Movement Promoting Family as National Solution

See also Communication, Transparency, and Sharing Stressed

See also Election Campaign Fuels Unificationism Claims

See also Architect of Seongnam Ilhwa’s Amazing Success

The certifications were awarded for two related but distinct management systems. ISO 37001 is the international standard for anti-bribery management systems. Developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), it provides organizations with a framework to prevent, detect, and address bribery and corruption risks. The standard requires the establishment of internal controls, risk assessments, reporting procedures, compliance oversight, and staff education designed to reduce the possibility of unethical financial or administrative practices. It has been adopted by corporations, public institutions, and non-profit organizations in many countries as part of broader compliance and governance reforms.

ISO 37301, meanwhile, concerns compliance management systems. It focuses on ensuring that organizations operate according to applicable laws, regulations, ethical obligations, and internal policies. The standard emphasizes the creation of a systematic compliance culture supported by leadership accountability, continuous monitoring, employee training, and organizational self-assessment. Together, ISO 37001 and ISO 37301 are often viewed as complementary frameworks because both seek to institutionalize integrity, transparency, and responsible governance practices.

According to the article, the Family Federation held a formal ceremony on 14^th May to commemorate the awarding of the integrated certification. Song Yong-cheon (송용천), head of the religious organization’s Korean branch, described the achievement as an important turning point for the religious community. He stated that becoming the first religious body in the country to receive the combined certification reflected the Family Federation’s intention to meet growing social expectations and evolve into a more transparent institution. He also emphasized the organization’s commitment to establishing a strong culture of legal and ethical compliance in order to earn greater confidence from society.

The report explained that the certification process involved several stages, including organizational analysis, system design and development, staff training, competency evaluations, implementation of management procedures, and formal inspection and auditing. Through these measures, the organization strengthened its internal control mechanisms and established systems aimed at identifying and preventing potential risks within its operations.

The article further connected the certification to an earlier initiative launched in January 2026, titled the “Declaration Ceremony for Compliance Practices to Restore Social Trust.” During that event, approximately 300 pastors and officials associated with the organization publicly pledged adherence to legal and ethical standards. The integrated ISO certification was presented as a concrete outcome of those commitments and as part of a wider effort to align the organization’s governance practices with internationally recognized standards.

See also Statement on Principles of Political Neutrality

See also Is It Civic Education or Political Involvement?

See also Movement Promoting Family as National Solution

See also Communication, Transparency, and Sharing Stressed

See also Election Campaign Fuels Unificationism Claims

See also Official Statement on Recent Media Coverage

See also Architect of Seongnam Ilhwa’s Amazing Success

See also Park Gyu-nam: Faith, Football, and Public Service

Text: Knut Holdhus, editor

Featured image above: From the formal Family Federation meeting on 14^th May 2026 to commemorate the awarding of the integrated certification. Photo: FFWPU

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