See below the article by Michel Nkurunziza, published on 18 March 2024 in The New Times, the Rwanda’s largest private media organization.
The Institution of Engineers Rwanda (IER), announced on 15 March 2024 that it will host the Global Engineering Conference (GECO), and WFEO Executive Council Annual Meeting from 15 to 18 October 2024, at Kigali Convention Centre, in Rwanda.
The Global Engineering Conference (GECO) is the world’s premier global engineering forum, offering a great platform to facilitate the exchange of cutting-edge knowledge, skills, innovations, and solutions within the diverse engineering disciplines.
WFEO meetings will be hosted for the first time in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Delegates pose for a group photo at Kigali Convention Centre on Friday, March 15. Photo by Emmanuel Dushimimana
The Sustainable Development Goals include SDG11 on sustainable cities and communities and discussions include smart and resilient cities, urban planning, transportation infrastructure, sustainable architecture, and disaster resilience.
According to organisers, SDG13 on climate action discussions will include engineering solutions for climate resilience, climate adaptation strategies, mitigation technologies, and sustainable infrastructure development.
Discussions about SDG9 will talk about industry, innovation and infrastructure while SDG7 on affordable and clean energy will focus on renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency, and electrification strategies for underserved communities.
Organisers said SDG6 will focus on clean water and sanitation engineering innovations for water security, such as water treatment technologies, sanitation solutions, and sustainable water resource management, while SDG4 on quality education focuses on STEM education, lifelong learning, and skills development for the engineering workforce.
Gentil Kangaho, the president of the Institution of Engineers Rwanda (IER) delivers remarks as the institution anncounced to host the Glogal Engineering Conference.
The conference was organised by IER – in collaboration with the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO), and the Federation of African Engineering Organizations (FAEO) – with the overall objective of transcending geographical boundaries, fostering global collaboration and networking opportunities among engineers worldwide.
It will bring together 1,000 participants from across the globe, providing an unparalleled platform for engaging with the engineering community including professionals, academics, industry leaders, policymakers, and students from Rwanda, Africa, and beyond.
The conference aims to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration among engineers and engineering organisations worldwide, address global challenges through engineering solutions, with a focus on sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity, display research, technologies, and projects in various engineering disciplines, foster networking opportunities for professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders to promote partnerships and collaboration.
The conference will be attended by engineers and engineering professionals from diverse disciplines such as civil, mechanical, electrical, environmental, telecommunication among others.
The participants also include representatives from engineering associations, institutions, and academia, government officials, policymakers, and regulatory bodies involved in engineering-related decision-making, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators driving technological advancements, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and international agencies working on engineering and development issues.
Exhibition
The conference will feature spacious exhibition spaces where companies, research institutions, and start-ups can display their latest innovations, technologies, and projects.
The four-day exhibition will give participants opportunities to explore new developments in engineering, forge partnerships, and collaborate on future initiatives. Additionally, special networking events will be happening within the exhibition area to facilitate interactions between exhibitors and attendees.
As part of the conference programme, participants will have the opportunity to participate in field visits to prominent engineering projects and facilities in the host city, Kigali – Rwanda.
These field visits will offer first-hand insights into real-world applications of engineering principles and technologies, as well as opportunities to engage with local communities and stakeholders.
Jacques de Méreuil, Executive Director of WFEO, adressing at the Glogal Engineering Conference.
Engineer Cecile Uwimana noted that Rwandan engineers will benefit a lot from sharing experience with developed countries that have various engineering innovations.
“Sharing experience with engineers from developed countries is key for our country. It is also an opportunity for women engineers to learn more,” she said.
Papias Kazawadi, the president of the Federation of Africa Engineering Organisations (FAEO), added that the conference is an opportunity for the African continent to invest in achieving sustainable development goals.
“African engineers will gain more knowledge to develop the continent through sustainable development goals,” he said.
The preliminary budget estimate for the conference and executive council meeting is $600,000, he said.
For more information:
Institution of Engineers Rwanda (IER) website
Global Engineering Conference (GECO) website
MAR
2024