Engineers Focus on Sustainability at Global Conference in Rwanda's Capital
Rwanda's Infrastructure Minister Jimmy Gasore highlighted the country's progress in innovation and technology.
KIGALI, Rwanda— Over 700 delegates from more than 30 countries gathered for the Global Engineering Conference in Kigali, focusing on sustainable solutions to global challenges, writes AfricaBrief Reporter.
The three-day event, hosted by the Institution of Engineers Rwanda in collaboration with the World Federation of Engineering Organizations, marks the first such gathering in sub-Saharan Africa since WFEO's founding in 1968.
Steven Sabiti, CEO of the Institution of Engineers Rwanda, said the conference aims to foster international collaboration.
"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," Sabiti said.
Rwanda's Infrastructure Minister Jimmy Gasore highlighted the country's progress in innovation and technology.
"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," Gasore said at the opening session.
Papias Kazawadi, president of the Federation of Africa Engineering Organizations, praised the involvement of policymakers.
"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," Kazawadi said.
The conference's theme, "Engineering Innovations for a Sustainable Future," encompasses six subthemes: engineering quality education, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, industry innovation and infrastructure, sustainable cities and communities, and climate action.
John Robert Otieno Ogallo, an engineer from Kenya, described the conference as an " eye-opener" for regional practitioners.
"Since morning we have heard incredible presentations, especially on matters of sustainable engineering," said Ogallo, a former chairperson of Younger Engineer Kenya.