UNIDO, EU and Armenia Jointly Celebrated the World Metrology Day 2024

[Yerevan, Armenia, 20 May] – The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the European Union (EU) Delegation to Armenia, and the National Body of Standards and Metrology (NBSM) of Armenia jointly celebrated the World Metrology Day 2024. This annual event honors the signature of the Metre Convention (French: Convention du Mètre), also known as the Treaty of the Metre, that was signed in Paris on 20 May 1875 by representatives of 17 nations. The Convention sets the framework for the International System of Units and global collaboration in the science of measurement, as well as its industrial, commercial, and societal applications. The primary goal of the Convention is to ensure worldwide uniformity of measurement. 

During WMD 2024 event, the National Body for Standards and Metrology of Armenia (NBSM) hosted representatives from key national institutions, the business sector - clients and potential clients of NBSM services, manufacturers of measuring instruments, representatives from academia and universities, testing laboratories, as well as representatives from other quality infrastructure institutions. WMD 2024 theme “We measure today for a sustainable tomorrow” puts in center the concept of sustainability we are pursuing in all nations to address various challenges in all aspects of society and in our daily life and advance sustainable development goals (SDGs).

"As a result of a properly functioning metrology system, the quality of Armenian manufactured goods will be brought to international standards. This is sound stimulus to eliminate technical barriers to trade, supporting our manufacturers to become competitive at international market”, -remarked Albert Babayan, Director of NBSM, reflecting on NBSM services, achievements, ongoing initiatives and outlined future.

“The European Union has been involved in quality infrastructure development initiatives in Armenia since 2009. Our cooperation has included development of strategy for quality infrastructure with the Armenian government and compilation of a legislative package, including the Uniformity in Measurement Law. Recognizing the importance of metrology, the EU has invested €4 million to upgrade Armenia's metrology system through a UNIDO project. Accurate measurements across various industries help governments, enterprises, and individuals make informed choices that contribute to a more sustainable future”, - highlighted Karen Azaryan, Trade Officer at EU Delegation in Armenia.

“Apart from other goods we are producing measuring instruments. Having our products listed in RA Measurement Instruments Register will allow us to export our devices to third countries avoiding technical barriers. These types of events are crucial for establishing connections between state bodies and the private sector. We value not only the formal registration of our products but also the consultancy services provided by the National Body for Standards and Metrology,"-said Robert Tovmasyan, General Director of “Yeghitsi Luys” Ltd., a manufacturer of electrical systems and compressors said.

The celebration consisted of the three modules: 

1. Presentations from NBSM and invited speakers on the role of metrology in advancing sustainability and recent development in metrology system in Armenia related to legal framework, institutional arrangement, technical capacity development of calibration laboratories, 

2. A guided tour to NBSM laboratories - giving opportunity to visitors to show metrology work and glean insights. The tour reward with behind-the-scenes details about calibration and measurements, how the work is done and what motivates metrologists to do their job, 

3. Exhibition of measuring instruments produced by Armenian manufacturers, showcasing their products and services. 

1st module: presentations were demonstrated on the role of metrology in advancing sustainability and recent developments in Armenia's metrology system, including legal frameworks, institutional arrangements, and the technical capacity development of calibration laboratories. All speakers and presenters emphasized the pivotal role of metrology in supporting public and private initiatives through accurate and reliable measurements, thereby contributing to economic prosperity, the wellbeing of the population, and the protection of our planet. 

2nd module: participants were offered a guided tour to NBSM’s mass and thermal calibration laboratories to observe metrology work and gain insights into the details of calibration and measurements.

3rd module: visitors attended an exposition of measuring instruments produced by Armenian manufacturers, which were showcased for this event in NBSM building, becoming familiar with the products and services of local manufacturers. 

Certificates were awarded to partner institutions and NBSM beneficiaries acknowledging their contributions in the development of metrology in Armenia. 

The WMD 2024 celebration was supported by UNIDO through the project “Support to Quality Infrastructure in Armenia” which is funded by the EU. The main objective of the project is to establish and equip four calibration laboratories in NBSM, in order to provide sustainable and internationally recognized metrology services to stakeholders within the country, ultimately supporting Armenia to implement the CEPA Agreement with the EU for improved trade competitiveness and meaningful utilization of the benefits.