WFEO at work
The World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) brings together engineers, educators, industry leaders, and global institutions to tackle the world’s biggest challenges. From climate resilience to education reform, from capacity building to representing engineers at the United Nations, WFEO is active on the ground and at the highest levels of global decision-making.
Here’s a closer look at the practical work WFEO does around the world to advance the engineering profession and accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Work with the UN
World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development (WED), which was proclaimed by UNESCO, is one of the WFEO’s most high-profile UN collaborations. Proposed and managed by the WFEO, the International Day is the UN’s principal platform for championing engineering.
Reflecting on the need for collaboration to address the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals at the close of WED 2025, WFEO President Seng Chuan Tan said, “WED has contributed to this goal by bringing together engineers, governments, academia, industries, and individuals to exchange ideas, drive innovation, and take meaningful action. Its impact extends far beyond today’s event, with numerous locally hosted events worldwide, all working collectively to move us towards a sustainable future.”
WFEO proudly co-chairs the Scientific and Technological Major Group at the UN alongside the International Science Council. Through this role, it represents the engineering perspective in discussions that shape international sustainability policy.
Its teams participate in UN High-Level Political Forums, contribute to reports, and host events that highlight how engineering solutions can accelerate SDG progress
WFEO participates annually in UNFCCC and COP climate meetings, organizing side events that amplify the engineering perspective on climate mitigation and adaptation. Through its professional societies and members worldwide, WFEO assists UN bodies with the analysis of the technical, economic, and environmental feasibility of sustainable development proposals, and the implementation of best practices to achieve the SDGs.
Capacity building
A cornerstone of the organization’s mission is the WFEO Engineering 2030 Plan, a long-term framework that helps countries build the engineering capacity they need for sustainable development. This plan guides its work with governments, universities, and engineering institutions worldwide. It strengthens education systems, promotes high-quality engineering standards, and supports policy decisions that advance the SDGs.
WFEO is driving the development of engineering capacity in Africa and the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to support infrastructure growth, resilience against natural disasters and climate change impacts. To this end, it initiated the Engineering Capacity Building for Africa Program (ECBAP), a 10-year initiative, leveraging capacity building for sustainable development in the context of global digital transformation.
In addition, WFEO works closely with engineers and national members in SIDS –including Fiji, Mauritius, and Caribbean nations – to strengthen engineering capacity in regions most vulnerable to climate change. Its support includes training, knowledge sharing, and strategies for disaster-resistant infrastructure and sustainable development.
A strong, resilient world needs more engineers – and more engineers with the right skills. WFEO works with global partners to strengthen national engineering education systems, including:
It is also active in supporting diversity in engineering, including women and young engineers, through attraction, retention, and support programmes and recognition awards.
Online education
The WFEO Academy was launched in March 2022, with UNESCO and its partners, the International Engineering Alliance (IEA), the International Federation of Engineering Education Societies (IFEES), and the Global Engineering Deans Council (GEDC), and has since been accessed by engineers and engineering educators from around the world, who benefit from the expert presentations. The online courses provided are targeted to meet specific objectives for educators and assessors to reach international standards in engineering education.
The academy’s courses are on key topics that are relevant to outcomes-based education, teaching methodologies and curriculum design that align with the IEA’s Graduate Attributes and Professional Competencies (GAPC) Framework and the procedures to become a signatory of the IEA. The courses are available at no cost to individuals that are affiliated to WFEO members and associates.
“I am proud to lead this initiative and develop the concept of the WFEO Academy to deliver essential training across the world, at scale and low cost and without being hampered by restrictions,” said Dr Marlene Kanga, former WFEO President. “This is an inclusive approach in the spirit of UNESCO’s Open Science recommendations, and I hope that large numbers will take up the opportunity to learn from experts from around the world. I am sure the lessons learned will prove enriching to everyone who participates.”
Ethics and standards
WFEO’s work is guided by ethical commitments that support responsible engineering practice. Resources include: