Happy birthday, OIML!

Bobjoseph Mathew

1. METAS , Switzerland

Citation: B. Mathew 2025 OIML Bulletin LXVI(4) 20250401

On 12 October 2025 the OIML hosted a dinner cruise along the Seine to celebrate 70 years to the day since the signing of the intergovernmental convention that created the OIML.

The cruise, which took place just ahead of the 60th meeting of the CIML and the 17th Conference, was attended by CIML Members, Corresponding Member Representatives, diplomatic representatives, representatives of Liaisons, and other distinguished guests.

As CIML President, I had the honour of giving the following address.

What an honour to celebrate a remarkable milestone, and to do so in the heart of the city where it all began. And what better way to mark this historic occasion than with a cruise along the iconic Seine?

As you know, seventy years ago, on 12 October 1955, just a short walk from this very river, representatives from 24 visionary nations came together in Paris to sign the Convention that gave birth to the International Organization of Legal Metrology.

Their mission was as clear as the view from the Eiffel Tower on a bright and beautiful day like today:

To harmonize legal metrology across borders, to build trust in measurements, and to support fair trade, consumer protection, and innovation.

Since that historic moment, the OIML has grown significantly – now comprising 64 Member States and 67 Corresponding Members.

Over the decades, we have achieved remarkable progress:

Published over 150 OIML Recommendations
Launched the OIML Certification System (OIML-CS)
Supported Countries and Economies with Emerging Metrology Systems (CEEMS), fostering global cooperation in the pursuit of measurement excellence
Strengthened partnerships with global institutions such as the BIPM, ISO, UNESCO, UNIDO, and the WTO, aligning our work with international standards.

Today, we not only honour our past, we celebrate our present and look into the future.

The OIML continues to serve as a distinguished exemplar of international cooperation, scientific integrity, and mutual trust. Our work touches every aspect of daily life.

As we gather for the 17th International Conference and the 60th CIML Meeting, we celebrate not just an anniversary, but a legacy – a legacy of trust, precision, and progress.

Looking ahead, we face evolving challenges: digitalization, artificial intelligence, climate change, shifting global trade dynamics and continuing explaining the difference between metrology and meteorology.

I am confident that we will rise to meet these challenges. Our technical experts, committee members, and national delegates have shaped the OIML into what it is today – and will continue to ensure that our Organization remains a trusted global authority through and adaptation

Legal metrology is the invisible backbone of trust. It is the language of confidence in trade, safety, health, and innovation.

To all who have contributed to this journey – thank you. Let us continue our global collaboration to build a world where measurements matter, and where metrology serves society.