The Institution of Engineers Rwanda (IER), on March 15, 2024, announced that it will host the Global Engineering Conference (GECO), and the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) Executive Council Annual Meeting from October 15 to 18, 2024, at Kigali Convention Centre. The Global Engineering Conference (GECO) is the world’s premier global engineering forum, offering a great platform to facilitate the exchange of cutting-edge knowledge, skills, innovations, and solutions within the diverse engineering disciplines. These prestigious meetings will be hosted in Africa, for the first time. “The conference will bring together engineers from different disciplines. We have to think of innovations in engineering. The Institution of Engineers Rwanda organised the conference by looking at the gaps we have in Rwanda and Africa. The conference will facilitate share of experience, knowledge, and innovations in engineering. We looked at Sustainable Development Goals,” said Gentil Kangaho, the president of the Institution of Engineers Rwanda (IER). The Sustainable Development Goals include SDG11 on sustainable cities and communities, discussions include smart and resilient cities, urban planning, transportation infrastructure, sustainable architecture, and disaster resilience. According to organisers, SDG13 on climate action discussions will include engineering solutions for climate resilience, climate adaptation strategies, mitigation technologies, and sustainable infrastructure development. Discussions about SDG9 will talk about industry, innovation and infrastructure while SDG7 on affordable and clean energy will focus on renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency, and electrification strategies for underserved communities. Organisers said SDG6 will focus on clean water and sanitation engineering innovations for water security, such as water treatment technologies, sanitation solutions, and sustainable water resource management, while SDG4 on quality education focuses on STEM education, lifelong learning, and skills development for the engineering workforce. The conference was organised by IER – in collaboration with the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO), and the Federation of African Engineering Organizations (FAEO) – with the overall objective of transcending geographical boundaries, fostering global collaboration and networking opportunities among engineers worldwide. It will bring together 1,000 participants from across the globe, providing an unparalleled platform for engaging with the engineering community including professionals, academics, industry leaders, policymakers, and students from Rwanda, Africa, and beyond. The conference aims to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration among engineers and engineering organisations worldwide, address global challenges through engineering solutions, with a focus on sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity, display research, technologies, and projects in various engineering disciplines, foster networking opportunities for professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders to promote partnerships and collaboration. Alphonse Rukaburandekwe, Director General of Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA) said: “Engineers are key in the sustainable development of our country. That is why hosting the engineering conference in Rwanda is an opportunity to learn and share innovations and experience.” He said that researchers in engineering will facilitate knowledge exchange to ensure sustainable development goals are fulfilled. The conference will be attended by engineers and engineering professionals from diverse disciplines such as civil, mechanical, electrical, environmental, telecommunication among others. The participants also include representatives from engineering associations, institutions, and academia, government officials, policymakers, and regulatory bodies involved in engineering-related decision-making, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators driving technological advancements, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and international agencies working on engineering and development issues. Exhibition The conference will feature spacious exhibition spaces where companies, research institutions, and start-ups can display their latest innovations, technologies, and projects. The four-day exhibition will give participants opportunities to explore new developments in engineering, forge partnerships, and collaborate on future initiatives. Additionally, special networking events will be happening within the exhibition area to facilitate interactions between exhibitors and attendees. As part of the conference programme, participants will have the opportunity to participate in field visits to prominent engineering projects and facilities in the host city, Kigali – Rwanda. These field visits will offer first-hand insights into real-world applications of engineering principles and technologies, as well as opportunities to engage with local communities and stakeholders. “It is the first time our executive council meeting is held in Africa. The expectations are to have successful discussions, and that engineers can develop and achieve sustainable development goals,” engineer Jacques de Méreuil, Executive Director of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) said, highlighting six development goals that were focused on. Engineer Cecile Uwimana noted that Rwandan engineers will benefit a lot from sharing experience with developed countries that have various engineering innovations. “Sharing experience with engineers from developed countries is key for our country. It is also an opportunity for women engineers to learn more,” she said. Papias Kazawadi, the president of the Federation of Africa Engineering Organisations (FAEO), added that the conference is an opportunity for the African continent to invest in achieving sustainable development goals. “African engineers will gain more knowledge to develop the continent through sustainable development goals,” he said. The preliminary budget estimate for the conference and executive council meeting is $600,000, he said.
