History of World Engineering Day
The history of World Engineering Day is a tale of global collaboration and dedication to sustainable development. It begins in 2018, when the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) proposed the establishment of a World Engineering Day. Little did they know that this proposal would receive global support, ultimately leading to UNESCO’s proclamation of March 4 as World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development.
Here are the milestones that have shaped this celebration, from its first observance to its current status as a beacon for engineering innovation and sustainability.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
The beginning of a new era as the United Nations General Assembly announced the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, setting the stage for a strategic global campaign towards a more sustainable future.
WFEO’s proposal for a World Engineering Day
Every significant campaign starts with a spark, and in 2018, the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) proposed a World Engineering Day as part of its 50th-anniversary celebrations.
To solidify this proposal, WFEO chose March 4 – the day it was founded – as the designated day, recognizing the importance of engineering in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. This move marked a significant milestone in the journey towards establishing a global celebration of engineering excellence.
The road to UNESCO recognition
The journey to establishing World Engineering Day did not happen overnight. It required dedication, perseverance, and international cooperation.
International support for the initiative
Unifying forces from around the globe, the proposal to establish a World Engineering Day soon gained momentum, receiving support from over 80 international institutions and 40 nations.
The 40th General Conference of UNESCO
At the 40th General Conference of UNESCO in November 2019, the international community came together to raise awareness of the role of engineering in modern life, which is essential to mitigate the impact of climate change and advance sustainable development, especially in Africa and the small island developing states (SIDS). The adoption of this resolution marked a significant step forward in promoting engineering as a key driver of sustainable development.
Celebrating World Engineering Day
World Engineering Day is a testament to the power of collaboration and dedication. Its growth is a remarkable story of how engineers and organizations can collaborate to promote sustainable development.
The first World Engineering Day in 2019
The first World Engineering Day was in 2019. This marked the beginning of a global campaign to recognize the crucial role engineers play in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Dr. Marlene Kanga announced the launch of World Engineering Day at the World Engineering Conference (WEC) 2019, setting the stage for an annual event from 2020.
Growing engagement and participation
Growing momentum is evident in the increasing engagement and participation in World Engineering Day.
With each passing year, the number of registered events and social media engagements has seen a significant surge, demonstrating the growing interest and commitment to sustainable development.
For instance, in 2020, there were 4,000 hashtags and 88 registered events. This number more than quadrupled in 2021 and the trend continued in 2022, with 25,000 hashtags and 135 registered events, demonstrating the expanding reach and impact of World Engineering Day.
Themed celebrations: 2021 and 2022
World Engineering Day has also seen themed celebrations that focus on specific aspects of sustainable development.
These themes have added depth and context to the global conversation around engineering and sustainability. For example, the 2021 theme “Engineering for a healthy planet” coincided with the launch of the second UNESCO Engineering Report, while the 2022 theme “Build back wiser, engineering the future” emphasized the need for resilient and sustainable infrastructure.
These themes have not only raised awareness about critical issues but have also inspired engineers and organizations to work together towards creating a better future for all.