WESF plays a role in promoting standardization and eliminating global trade barriers.
The Institution of Engineers Rwanda (IER), together with WFEO, the Rwanda Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA), UNESCO and the Federation Of African Engineering Organisations hosted the Global Engineering Conference (GECO) from 15 to 18 October 2024 at the Kigali Convention Centre in Rwanda.
This high-level three-day event attracted over 700 delegates from around the world and was organized by the Institution of Engineers Rwanda (IER) in partnership with WFEO and the Federation of African Engineering Organizations (FAEO).
The conference brought together high-profile officials, engineers, and experts from academia and the private sector to explore innovative solutions for a sustainable future under the theme “Engineering Innovations for a Sustainable Future.”
This event was the first of its kind held in sub-Saharan Africa and was described as historic and monumental. For the first time, policymakers and industry experts gathered to discuss their roles in positioning engineers as true champions of development.
The discussions focused on six Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
Quality Education (SDG 4),
Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6),
Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7),
Industry Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9),
Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), and
Climate Action (SDG 13).
Eng Gentil Kangaho, President of the Institution of Engineers Rwanda
A welcome address was delivered by Gentil Kangaho, the President and Chairperson of the governing council of the Institution of Engineers in Rwanda. He thanked all participants for their time and expressed hope for productive deliberations on the critical role engineering plays in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set forth by the United Nations.
The conference featured keynote speakers, paper presentations, panel discussions, and question-and-answer sessions, making it more insightful and participatory.
Dr. Jimmy Gasore, the Minister for Infrastructure in Rwanda, officially opened the conference. He emphasized the importance of this moment for critical discussions, sharing insights, and exploring innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
The Minister commended the transformative role engineering play in achieving sustainable development—not just in Rwanda but globally. He praised the meeting organizers for creating avenues for conversations essential to people’s daily lives and the well-being of future generations, noting that discussions focused on specific SDGs vital for collective futures.
We, as participants in the Global Engineering Conference on Sustainable Development and the WFEO Executives, commend the government of Rwanda for hosting this important conference and appreciate the high-level participation from government officials and experts.
Martin Manuhwa, Chair of the WFEO Committee on Engineering Capacity Building
The WFEO President’s representative and Chair of the WFEO Capacity Building Committee, Eng. Martin Manuhwa called for the need for engineering to speak to policy issues. This will create a robust partnership framework with the UN system, the AU, our Governments and Business. Such a smart partnership framework will support a Capacity Building Engineering Program for Africa which will create an African Engineering Accord through Mutual Recognition Agreements for mobility of engineering Professionals among other outcomes.
The conference was graced by high-level officials, including the Ministers of Infrastructure, Environment, Innovation and ICT, the State Ministers for Education and Infrastructure, as well as CEOs and Directors General from state and private entities, emphasizing the importance of such a gathering.
Its also impressive to report the fact the conference number of sponsors including the biggest private entities in the country, academia Institution and over 28 exhibitors. During the conference IER signed a Memorandum of Understand with DAR which shall focus on building capacities of engineering professionals. Also a number of study tours on major projects were organized and participants learnt a lot from the projects.