World Metrology Day (WMD) is annually observed across the globe on 20 May to raise awareness about Metrology, the science of measurement, and its application and to highlight the importance of measurement science in our daily lives.
- 20 May 2024 marks the official recognition of WMD by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
This designation promotes metrology in line with UNESCO’s mission of improving the world through science and education.
- The WMD project is jointly released by the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (International Bureau of Weights and Measures) (BIPM), the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML).
The theme for World Metrology Day 2024 is “Sustainability.”
Note: The 2024 theme focused on the numerous measurement opportunities that contribute to the establishment of a sustainable global economy and environment.
Significance of 20 May:
The Day commemorates the anniversary of the signing of the Metre Convention in Paris (France), in 1875, the beginning of formal international collaboration in metrology.
About Metre Convention:
It is an international treaty designed to ensure that everyone around the world uses the same metric system to measure weight and length, to ensure fair trade.
- The convention establishes a cohesive measurement system pivotal for scientific progress, industrial innovation, and international trade.
Background:
i.In 1999, the International Committee for Weights and Measures (CIPM) designated 20 May as World Metrology Day during the 21st General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM).
ii.The 1st celebration of WMD took place on 20 May 2000.
UNESCO Proclamation:
In November 2023, the UNESCO General Conference during its 42nd session as per the resolution 42 C/Resolution 21 officially proclaimed that 20 May would be celebrated as World Metrology Day.
- The proposal for the celebration of WMD was requested and supported by the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Importance of Metrology in Sustainability:
i.Metrology supports data-driven decision-making and policy development in sustainability.
ii.Accurate measurements across various aspects of sustainability help organizations, governments, and individuals make informed, sustainable choices.
iii.WMD observance celebrates metrology’s pivotal role in addressing global challenges related to sustainable development, energy, and community health.
2024 Events:
i.On 14 May 2024, UNESCO organised an official launch event of WMD at its Paris (France) headquarters under the theme “We Measure Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow“.
ii.This launch event was organized by UNESCO, BIPM, and OIML, with the support of the Permanent Delegation of the Republic of Kazakhstan to UNESCO, under the umbrella of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (IDSSD).
iii.Following the launch event to celebrate 20 May, a UNESCO International Day, a WMD web page has been published by UNESCO.
Note: The WMD website is a joint OIML-BIPM initiative that aims to provide the metrology community with communication resources that ease their task of promoting WMD.
