The purpose of the GLOBAL ALLIANCE FOR PROJECT PERFORMANCE STANDARDS initiative is to develop agreed frameworks as a basis for review, development, and recognition of local standards that will facilitate mutual recognition and transferability of project management qualifications.  It is intended that the framework and associated standards be freely available for use by businesses, academic institutions, professional associations, and government standards and qualifications bodies globally.

As project management has become a more widely used management approach, both public and private sector entities have become interested in standards that describe levels of acceptable workplace performance. Many of these entities operate across national boundaries and are thus interested in standards and qualifications that are transferable. Governments, concerned with ensuring an internationally competitive workforce, and individuals, desiring greater mobility, are also interested in the mutual recognition and transferability of qualifications.