A Video Message from the BIPM Director – Reflecting on World Metrology Day 2026
We're just under a month away from celebrating – World Metrology Day, a key moment in the year for the international metrology community to reflect on the role of measurement in society and the collaboration that makes measurements trusted worldwide.
To mark this occassion, BIPM Director Dr Annette Koo, shares a personal video message reflecting on this year’s theme: “Metrology: Building Trust in Policy Making.”
Metrology and evidence-based policy
In her message, Dr Koo highlights how accurate, comparable and traceable measurements provide a reliable foundation for evidence-based decision-making, supporting policymakers across sectors including public health, environmental monitoring and trade.
Examples highlighted in the message include the COVID-19 pandemic, where trusted measurements supported testing, the use of protective equipment and vaccine deployment. These capabilities enabled authorities to act quickly on evidence at critical moments.
In environmental monitoring, long-term comparability of measurements allows changes to be tracked consistently and supports the development of policies based on observed trends. In trade and daily economic activity, measurements underpin confidence in transactions, for example in energy supplied through fuel pumps and electricity meters.
These applications rely on international collaboration across institutes, countries and disciplines, ensuring that measurements remain consistent and trusted worldwide.
World Metrology Day
Celebrated each year on 20 May, World Metrology Day marks the anniversary of the signing of the Metre Convention in 1875. It provides an opportunity for National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) and partners worldwide to highlight the role of metrology and the International System of Units (SI) in supporting global collaboration and trust.
Join the BIPM–UNESCO World Metrology Day webinar
Registration is now open for the BIPM-UNESCO webinar taking place on 20 May 2026. The event will bring together speakers from across the international metrology community to explore this year’s theme and its relevance for policy and society.
Find more information and register here: BIPM–UNESCO World Metrology Day webinar
Use and share the video
This video has been prepared to support World Metrology Day celebrations worldwide and can be used for local events, outreach activities and institutional communications. It follows the joint written statement from the Directors of the BIPM and the OIML and the release of the offical 2026 World Metrology Day Poster.
Further information and supporting materials are available at: www.worldmetrologyday.org