Abstract
The paper marks the fiftieth anniversary of the activity of the International Measurement Confederation (IMEKO). It uses this landmark to examine the development of measurement and instrumentation science and technology in the last five decades. It notes a technology that has grown in capability, extended its range of applications and spread globally. It examines the change in economic and political conditions and a globalised world. It critically reviews the role of learned societies. It advocates effort to promote learned society activities. It views international co-operation in such activities as the only way forward. It advocates active engagement in the work of IMEKO.