About World Engineering Day

Engineering in the spotlight

World Engineering Day (WED) is a crucial date in the engineering calendar. Held on March 4 every year, the official UNESCO International Day is a springboard for 12 months of shared ideas and inspiration in celebration of engineering and the vital role it plays across the globe.

Initiated and overseen by the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO), which represents more than 100 national and international professional bodies, WED was proclaimed by UNESCO at its 40th General Conference in 2019. Since then, it has not only brought the engineering community together, but also promoted a deeper understanding of the industry among politicians, decision makers, business, educators, and the general public, shedding light on the all-too often unsung heroes of modern progress.

A day of action

“Engineers aren’t very good at articulating the value of engineering and the impact that engineers and engineering have on society. This is a wonderful opportunity to talk about these aspects and engage the community in the work of engineers,” said Dr Marlene Kanga, former President of the WFEO (2017–19), who led the proposal for WED.

In addition to highlighting how engineering can change the world for the better, the International Day offers the chance to promote engineering as a career and address the ongoing challenge of meeting the world’s capacity and quality needs.

An authoritative platform for the sharing and implementation of best practice and new thinking in the profession, WED reaches a global audience of millions every year. Through films, events, articles, competitions, and digital campaigns, it creates a unifying forum for the discussion and promotion of engineering’s essential role in shaping our modern world.