Last 8 March, the Ethiopian Association of Civil Engineers (EACE) proudly hosted a grand celebration of the World Engineering Day and International Women’s Day at ECC Paradise Hall, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The event brought together engineers, industry leaders, professionals, and aspiring young engineers to explore the transformative power of engineering in shaping a sustainable and inclusive future. The discussions and presentations were closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on sustainability, innovation, resilience, and gender equality.
Opening Ceremony & Keynote Speech
The event began with an inspiring opening speech by Eng. Yonas Ayalew, President of EACE and CEO of the Ethiopian Construction Works Corporation (ECC), who highlighted the pivotal role of engineering in driving sustainable development, particularly emphasizing SDG 9: Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure. He addressed the critical importance of climate resilience and underscored the role engineers play in providing tailored solutions to staggering global challenges. Eng. Yonas passionately spoke about the necessity of meeting all SDGs by 2030, calling on engineers to take charge in creating resilient infrastructure and innovative approaches to address pressing environmental and societal issues.
Opening speech by Yonas Ayalew, EACE President and ECC CEO
Following this, Sonja Varga, Head of Program at UNOPS horn of Africa, delivered a keynote speech underscoring the importance of sustainable infrastructure development and inclusive participation in engineering projects, touching on SDG 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities and SDG 5: Gender Equality.
Panel Discussions & Presentations
Moderated by Eng. Amanuel Mekonnen and Eng. Elizabeth Tena, the event featured a diverse lineup of speakers who shared their insights and experiences, fostering an engaging atmosphere of learning and collaboration:
- The Role of Women Construction Professionals in Delivering Sustainable Infrastructure: UNOPS Team members Eng. Sarah, Shewit, and Regbe passionately discussed the contributions of women in infrastructure projects. Their presentation highlighted the need for greater gender inclusivity in the engineering and construction fields, aligning with SDG 5 and SDG 11.
- Enhancing Earthquake Resilience: Designing and Securing Non-Structural Elements for Seismic Safety: Dr. Fekadu Melese of ECC provided invaluable insights into designing earthquake-resistant infrastructure, advocating for the integration of seismic safety principles into urban planning and construction.
- Transformative Sustainable Construction: Ronald Jansen shared innovative approaches to eco-friendly building materials, energy-efficient designs, and green construction practices, reinforcing the call for climate-resilient infrastructure in line with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption & Production and SDG 13: Climate Action.
- Improving Health and Safety Implementation in Ethiopia: Identifying Gaps and Solutions: Eden Teshome Bejiga delivered a powerful presentation on the significance of health and safety in the construction industry. She emphasized that investing in safety is a smart decision that enhances productivity while protecting workers. Her presentation aligned closely with SDG 3: Good Health & Well-being, SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth, and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure.
Eden Teshome Bejiga, Environment, Health and Safety Manager, delivering a keynote about the crucial role of health and safety in the construction industry.
Interactive Session & Networking
One of the most memorable highlights of the event was the unveiling of the interactive “Map of Africa” installation, a masterpiece designed by EACE’s young volunteers. The beautifully crafted map featured a message box where participants were invited to share words of inspiration, unity, and aspiration, symbolizing the collective vision of African engineers for a brighter future. Each message became a building block of hope and innovation, making the map a living testament to collaboration and progress. This symbolic piece will be permanently housed at the ECC Museum, serving as a reminder of the powerful role engineers play in shaping Africa’s development.
Another notable moment was the screening of a captivating video showcasing Ethiopia’s infrastructure development, presented by Eng. Ayenew and Eng. Amanuel. The video highlighted key milestones, ongoing projects, and future ambitions, offering a glimpse into the nation’s engineering prowess and its contributions towards sustainable growth. The footage vividly captured the hard-working Ethiopian engineers laboring in remote areas, constructing dams, roads, bridges, hospitals, housing, irrigation structures, and other critical infrastructure projects. This visual tribute served as a powerful reminder of the dedication and resilience of Ethiopian engineers, inspiring future generations to pursue engineering excellence.
The event concluded with a vibrant Q&A session and open discussion, where participants exchanged ideas and proposed actionable solutions to enhance the role of engineering in sustainable development.
Closing Remarks & Acknowledgments
Eng. Yonas Ayalew closed the event by reaffirming EACE’s commitment to empowering engineers in Ethiopia and beyond. He reiterated the urgency of embracing climate resilience and meeting all SDGs by 2030, emphasizing the profound responsibility of engineers in providing innovative, context-specific solutions to global challenges. The event’s success was made possible by the dedicated volunteers, including Eng. Elizabeth Tena, Eng. Asfaw Eshetu, Eng. Amanuel Mekonnen, Eng. Anteneh Mitiku, Eng. Muluneh Minda, Eng. Hawaz Gb, Eyerusalem Tesfaye, Ermiyas Birhanu and all other volunteers.
From left to right: Sophoniass Deneke, EACE member; Yonas Ayalew, EACE President and ECC CEO; Alemayehu Tefera, EACE Chairperson; Sonja Varga, head of programme UNOPS Horn of Africa Multi Country Office; Roland Jansen, Expert in advanced building technology and value engineering and Eng Amanuel Mekonnen, EACE General Manager.
Looking Ahead
EACE remains dedicated to driving innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity in engineering, reinforcing the engineering profession’s vital role in building a better future. As we reflect on World Engineering Day 2025, we recognize the collective responsibility to harness engineering for sustainable development and inclusive growth.
Report by Eng. Amanuel Mekonnen, General Manager, Ethiopian Association of Civil Engineers (EACE)
For more information:
World Engineering Day 2025 main event in UNESCO HQ
MAR
2025