Md Abu Abdullah: The 20 May is World Metrology Day. This date was chosen in recognition of the signing of the Metre Convention on 20 May 1875, the beginning of formal international collaboration in metrology. Each year World Metrology Day is organised and celebrated jointly by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) and the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) with the participation of the national organisations responsible for metrology. Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) is a member of both the organisation.
This year is particularly special because it also marks 150 years since the Metre Convention was signed and the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM) was established. The signing of the Metre Convention in 1875 created the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) and for the first time formalised international cooperation in metrology. The Convention established the BIPM and laid the foundations for worldwide uniformity of measurement in all aspects of our endeavours, historically focusing on and assisting industry and trade, but today just as vital as we tackle the grand challenges of the 21st century such as climate change, health, and energy. The BIPM undertakes scientific work at the highest level on a selected set of physical and chemical quantities. The BIPM is the hub of a worldwide network of national metrology institutes (NMIs) which continue to realise and disseminate the chain of traceability to the International System of Unit ( SI ) into national accredited laboratories and industry. There are 22 public and private metrology laboratories operating in the country accredited by the Bangladesh Accreditation Board.
Around the world, national metrology laboratories continually advance measurement science by developing and validating new measurement techniques at the necessary level of sophistication. The national metrology institutes participate in measurement comparisons coordinated by the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM) or by the Regional Metrology Organizations, to ensure the reliability of measurement results worldwide.
The theme for World Metrology Day 2025 is Measurements for all times, for all people, chosen to highlight the importance of measurements in shaping our past, present and future. To mark this auspicious occasion, in 2025 experts and users are coming together as a global metrology community to celebrate what has been achieved over a century and a half, and to look forward to the opportunities and challenges that may lie ahead for the future of global measurement systems. From ensuring fair trade and advancing scientific discovery to addressing global challenges like climate change and public health, measurements have been fundamental for progress and innovation. The theme also emphasizes inclusivity, recognizing that reliable and traceable measurements are essential for fostering equity and improving the quality of life for all people, everywhere.
Measurement is fundamental to every aspect of our lives – from trading goods, to monitoring our health, and observing and understanding the world around us. The original signatories of the Metre Convention understood this and had a vision that was clear and ambitious: to unify and improve measurement systems worldwide, establishing a system that would serve “for all times, for all people.”
From its foundation in 1875, the BIPM has tackled significant technological challenges to produce stable and accurate standards for the metre and the kilogram that would be suitable for use around the world.
By the twentieth century, the technical task grew further to address the needs for standards for temperature, light and electricity.
At the dawn of the twenty-first century, a new opportunity emerged to realize the SI on the fundamental constants of nature, ushering measurement science into the quantum era.
The International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) develops International Recommendations, which aim to align and harmonize requirements worldwide in many fields. The OIML also operates the OIML Certification System (OIML-CS) which facilitates international acceptance and global trade of regulated measuring instruments. In 1955 the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) was established as an Intergovernmental Treaty Organisation in order to promote the global harmonisation of legal metrology procedures with the Bureau International de Métrologie Légale (BIML) as the Secretariat and Headquarters of the OIML. Since that time, the OIML has developed a worldwide technical structure whose primary aim is to harmonise the regulations and metrological controls applied by the national metrological services, or related organizations
Analysing the future of measurement is very essential. As the world around us evolves, so too must our measurement systems, ensuring they remain precise, universally accessible and capable of meeting the needs of future generations.
The challenge before us is clear: to build a measurement framework that not only keeps pace with scientific discovery but also serves all nations, equitably and reliably. This is our shared responsibility and our collective opportunity. These international metrology systems provide the necessary assurance and confidence that measurements are accurate, providing a sound basis for global trade today and helping us to prepare for the challenges of tomorrow.
World Metrology Day acknowledges and respects the contributions of individuals working in intergovernmental, regional, and national metrology organizations and institutes year-round. In November 2023, a significant milestone was reached as the UNESCO General Conference, during its 42nd Session, officially recognized the celebration on 20 May annually. Underscoring its pivotal role in advancing education. These international metrology systems provide the necessary assurance and confidence that global scientific cooperation, this endorsement opens up new avenues to promote metrology, aligning with UNESCO's mission to build a better world through science and education.
World Metrology Day is an annual event during which the impact of measurement on our daily lives is evaluated around the world. The international metrology community which works to ensure accurate measurements, celebrate the day to raise awareness about Metrology through poster campaign ,arrange seminar, talk show, public rally and post in web site.
The writer is a former Additional Secretary and Director General of Bangladesh Accreditation Board. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
