UNESCO General Conference Approves Kazakh-Initiated Resolution for World Metrology Day
Kazakhstan Successfully Proclaims May 20 as World Metrology Day
The Natural Sciences Commission has unanimously adopted a resolution at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) General Conference, designating May 20 as World Metrology Day. The initiative, brought forth by Kazakhstan, was met with broad support and was officially confirmed on Nov. 13 in Paris.
The date of May 20 commemorates the adoption of the Metric Convention in Paris in 1875, marking one of the world’s oldest international treaties that ensure the unity of metrological standards worldwide.
Askar Abdrakhmanov, the Permanent Delegate of Kazakhstan to UNESCO, expressed gratitude to member states for their support, highlighting the official United Nations status given to the commemorative date. Abdrakhmanov emphasized the importance of this scientific discipline, stating that it significantly impacts and underpins various aspects of everyday life, often going unnoticed and beyond awareness.
Furthermore, Kazakhstan takes pride in its strong and competent community of metrology professionals. The country is currently celebrating the 100th anniversary of its oldest Kazakh metrological institution and continues to make valuable contributions to the development of this discipline at the national, regional, and global levels.
The resolution, which was co-sponsored by 43 member states, has received appreciation from the international metrological community. Martin Milton, Director of the International Bureau of Weights and Measures, emphasized that the decision will bring additional attention to the significance of developing metrology globally, especially as the world approaches the 150th anniversary of the Paris Metric Convention in 2025.
The official recognition of World Metrology Day will serve to raise awareness and acknowledge the importance of metrology in shaping the world’s standards and measurements.
