Bogotá, D.C., October 1. This Wednesday, an academic event was held to mark the 150th anniversary of the Metre Convention, jointly organized by the Superintendence of Industry and Commerce (SIC) and the National Institute of Metrology of Colombia (INM), under the title “The International System of Units: Impacts and Challenges for its Application in Industry, Research and Technological Development.”

During the opening session, the Vice Minister of Business Development of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism, Mr. Hernán Zúñiga, highlighted that “the signing of the Metre Convention is a historic milestone that laid the foundations for the world to share a common language in measurement: the International System of Units.”

Beatriz Sánchez, Deputy Superintendent for the Control and Verification of Technical Regulations and Legal Metrology at the SIC, emphasized that “today, more than 100 countries adhere to this system, which enables comparability, traceability, and trust in all transactions.” Without this common foundation, she noted, “scientific innovation, global trade, and even consumer protection would be impossible.”

The Director General of the National Institute of Metrology, María del Rosario González, also stressed that “commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Metre Convention is an opportunity to reinforce the importance of the International System of Units in our country and to promote its adoption and application across all national sectors.”

In this regard, and according to Deputy Superintendent Sánchez, “in Colombia, more than 80% of our industrial production depends on reliable measurements to compete in international markets. Thanks to that confidence, in 2024 our technology-based exports exceeded USD 5 billion.”

On the occasion of today’s event, Deputy Superintendent Sánchez recalled that “the commemoration of the Metre Convention highlights opportunities for national growth, the strengthening of the quality infrastructure, and the promotion of research in new areas,” despite the challenges related to the effective implementation of the International System of Units.

The event brought together representatives from public, private, and academic institutions, both national and international, working in metrology, innovation, and research. Among the participants were Ana Fernanda Maiguashca, Director of the Private Council for Competitiveness (CPC), and Héctor Vera, researcher at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).

A Visionary Act

This legacy dates back to May 20, 1875, when the Metre Convention was signed in Paris as a visionary act. Superintendent Cielo Rusinque, on the occasion of this commemoration, stated:

“The Convention was born in France, my adoptive country, and today we celebrate it in Colombia, my home country—reaffirming that metrology is, at its core, a bridge between nations and a tool that reminds us that confidence in every measurement is the foundation of international cooperation.”

Fair Measurements

The SIC’s Delegation for Technical Regulations and Legal Metrology is responsible for activities related to measurements that ensure citizens’ safety, health, and protection. It also guarantees that measurements are reliable and that consumers receive the correct quantity of the products they purchase.

During the event at the INM, Deputy Superintendent Sánchez highlighted that Colombia has the potential to become a regional benchmark through regulatory modernization, investment in metrological infrastructure, and the strengthening of human capital training.

She concluded: “The adoption of this system and the strengthening of legal metrology are key factors in leveraging opportunities for technological transfer and innovation. International data and experience demonstrate that investing in these areas not only enhances the competitiveness and quality of Colombian products, but also enables access to global markets and promotes sustainable development.”