World Metrology Day (WMD) is annually observed across the globe on 20 May to raise awareness about the importance of metrology, the science of measurement, and its impact on daily life, science, trade, innovation, and environmental sustainability.
- The year 2025 marks the 26th observance of WMD.
- Metrology is the science of measurement that forms the foundation of many everyday activities.
Theme:
The theme of WMD 2025 is “Measurements for all times, for all people”, underscores the vital role of measurements in shaping the past, present, and future across various sectors, including health, safety, energy, trade, climate change, and more.
Significance:
i.The 2025 edition holds special importance as it marks the 150th anniversary of the Metre Convention, signed in Paris, France on 20th May 1875, which laid the foundation for the global metric system.
ii.The Metre Convention is an international treaty that established a unified metric system for measurements of length and weight, aimed at promoting fairness in trade and ensuring consistency in scientific research, industrial development, and global commerce.
Background:
i.WMD was established in 1999 by the International Committee for Weights and Measures (Comité international des poids et mesures) (CIPM) during its 21st General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM) to commemorate the Metre Convention.
ii.WMD is jointly organised by Paris (France) based International Organization of Legal Metrology Organisation (Internationale de Métrologie Légale) (OIML) and Sèvres (France) based International Bureau of Weights and Measures (Bureau International des Poids et Mesures) (BIPM)
iii.The first WMD was observed on 20 May 2000.
UNESCO Proclamation:
In November 2023, during its 42nd General Conference, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), through resolution 42 C/Resolution 21, officially proclaimed 20th May as WMD, with observance beginning in 2024.
- The Republic of Kazakhstan initiated and backed the proposal to officially recognise the celebration of WMD.
2025 Event:
To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Metre Convention, UNESCO in collaboration with the BIPM, organised a symposium in Paris under the theme, “150 years of the Metre Convention: Science, Innovation and Global Impact” in Paris (France).
Importance of Metrology:
i.Metrology supports critical sectors such as:
- Health – accurate dosage and medical diagnostics
- Environment – monitoring pollution and climate change
- Trade and Manufacturing – consistency in product measurements
- Technology – innovation in renewable energy, AI (Artificial Intelligence), and telecommunications.
ii.From Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation and construction safety to food processing and green hydrogen verification, accurate measurement systems are essential.
iii.Institutions like the National Metrology Institute of South Africa (NMISA) ensure reliability in measurements supporting national and global objectives.
Note: In India, the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in New Delhi(Delhi) acts as the premier authority for metrology, responsible for maintaining the precision and traceability of measurements across diverse industries and sectors.
