UNMZ/ČAS and UNMS SR celebrated the 100th anniversary of Czechoslovak standardization

The start of standardization in the two countries dates back to 1922, when the Czechoslovak Standardization Society was founded. Since that moment, standards have improved quality of life and made the world better, safer and more sustainable. To celebrate the anniversary, ceremonial events took place in both Prague and Bratislava with important guests, government representatives, and partners in the field of standardization.

At the ceremonial meeting held on 13 October 2022 in the Kaiserstein Palace in Prague, the Vladimír List Award and Honorary Recognition were presented to 2022 laureates. The awards are in memory of Prof. Dr. Ing. Vladimír List (1877-1971), the founder of organised Czechoslovak standardisation, and stand as a reminder of his work. During the ceremonial meeting, the publication “100 Years of Standardisation in the Czech Territory” was also presented.

On 20 October 2022, it was Bratislava’s turn to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Czechoslovak standardization. In the historical building of the National Council of the Slovak Republic, the commemoration saw the presence of Ms Katarina Surmíková Tatranská, President of UNMS SR, officials from the Slovak government, the Czech guests Mr Viktor Pokorný, President of UNMZ, and Mr Zdeněk Veselý, Director General of ČAS, and other leading partners in the field of standardization. Special greetings were given by Mr Pierre-Yves Le Borgn’, Director for Governance and Membership at CEN and CENELEC, followed by video greetings from Mr Sergio Mujica, the Secretary General of ISO, and Mr Philippe Metzger, the Secretary General and CEO of IEC. As a part of the program, the guests also participated in the ceremonial inauguration of a postage stamp issued on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Czechoslovak standardization.

100 years on, the cooperation between Czech and Slovak standardization organizations, in the wider European and international contexts, continues to thrive.