Sustainable engineering top on agenda as global practitioners convene in Kigali

STAFF WRITER

 

 

The Global Engineering Conference (GECO) went underway in Kigali, Rwanda on Tuesday, bringing together over 700 delegates from over 30 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and beyond.

 

The high-level meeting brought together engineers, senior government officials and other policymakers, the academia and the business community among others to discuss pressing issues affecting the engineering industry.

 

Held under the general theme, “Engineering Innovations for a Sustainable Future,” the gathering is the first of its kind to be held in sub-Sahara Africa since the creation of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) in 1968.

 

The three-day event is being hosted by the Institution of Engineers Rwanda (IER) – the professional body of engineering practitioners in the country – in collaboration with WFEO.

 

Steven Sabiti, the CEO of the Institution said the meeting will provide a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration among engineers and engineering organisations worldwide as they seek solutions for global challenges through engineering solutions, with a focus on sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity, display research, technologies, and projects in various engineering disciplines.

 

“We anticipate meaningful synergies among practitioners worldwide that will positively impact STEM education, especially skills development for the engineering workforce on the African continent and beyond.

 

According to the Rwanda’s Minister of Infrastructure, Eng. Jimmy Gasore, for the east African nation to be the first to host this gathering is a testament of the strides the country has made in the area of innovation and technological advancement.

 

“We celebrate not only the remarkable strides we have made in engineering but the vital role the engineering profession plays in achieving sustainable development goals over the next few years,” Minister Gasore said during the opening session held at Kigali Convention Centre.

 

Engineers present commended the participation of government leaders and other policymakers who attended the gathering, saying that having engineers sitting alone in a room speaking about their trade does not always yield the necessary results.

 

“For too long, our profession has been locked in conversations amongst ourselves, often missing the critical engagement with policymakers and political leaders who shape the frameworks within which we work. This conference marks a significant departure from that tradition,” said Papias Kazawadi, the President, Federation of Africa Engineering Organisations (FAEO).

 

Reflecting on the theme, Kazawadi said that the focus on sustainability is a reminder that the future of the planet and humanity depends on the engineering solutions that are created today.

 

“The six subthemes of this conference—engineering quality education, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, industry innovation and infrastructure, sustainable cities and communities, and climate action—are central to addressing the global challenges we face,” he added.

 

According to John Robert Otieno Ogallo, an engineer from Kenya who attended the conference, having the global conference hosted in Rwanda, is a great opportunity for practitioners within the region to network with peers from around the world.

 

“It is an eye opener for our engineers, especially the young ones to learn from the best in the industry. Since morning we have heard incredible presentations especially on matters sustainable engineering,” said Ogallo, who is a former Chairperson of Younger Engineer Kenya.

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